North Carolina Zoo
World's largest natural habitat zoo, featuring 1,700+ animals from Africa & North America in expansive, naturalistic environments.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
North Carolina Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's largest natural habitat zoo, featuring 1,700+ animals from Africa & North America in expansive, naturalistic environments.
"It's one of the best zoos I've ever been to, and we'll definitely be back!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking miles! Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
💧 Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! The zoo offers free water refill stations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
African Plains
Africa region
Witness majestic giraffes, lions, and elephants in expansive, naturalistic habitats. Feeding giraffes is a memorable experience!
North American Habitats
North America region
Explore diverse North American wildlife, including grizzly bears and bison, in environments designed to mimic their natural homes.
Desert Habitat
North America region
Discover fascinating desert creatures like lizards and toads in a uniquely designed, dimly lit exhibit. Watch your step!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Plenty of Walking
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking miles! Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
💧 Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! The zoo offers free water refill stations.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Prime parking spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
📱 Utilize the Zoo Shuttle
Save energy and cover more ground with the convenient shuttle service.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking miles! Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
💧 Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated! The zoo offers free water refill stations.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Prime parking spots fill up fast, especially on weekends.
📱 Utilize the Zoo Shuttle
Save energy and cover more ground with the convenient shuttle service.
💰 SNAP/EBT Discount
NC residents with SNAP/EBT can visit for just $5 per person (up to 5 people).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the North Carolina Zoo for its vast, naturalistic animal habitats and cleanliness, making it a top-tier zoo experience. Many appreciate the spaciousness and the well-cared-for animals, with highlights like giraffe feeding being a hit. However, some reviews mention overcrowding on weekends, disappointing food quality and high prices, and occasional exhibit closures impacting the overall value.
"The NC Zoo is amazing! It’s huge, clean, and so well designed. The animal habitats are spacious and feel natural, and you can tell the animals are well cared for. There are tons of great photo spots and plenty of places to take breaks, which makes it perfect for families. Staff are friendly and helpful, and everything is organized really well.
It’s one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to, and we’ll definitely be back!"
Jason Cooper
"Beautiful walk before 11am.
Around 12pm it got so packed it was uncomfortable.
We parked in Africa, walked to the left to the Junction, continued walking left into North America. With a young kid we wished we had started in North America at the Kids Zone. We ate at the burger place and it was disappointing, overly salty, frozen food. We went to take the tram back to the junction to walk down the right side of Africa; however only buses were available.. While standing in line a “medical emergency” happened (a young woman passed out standing in line and hit her head) the response time for EMS was awful. Our bus driver stopped loading and went to check on her, another gentleman walked out of the building nearby but didn’t make contact with the woman. Both left her unattended until a man in a vest arrived shortly after. It was at least 5 minutes until the EMS designated guy with backpack showed up. Walking down the left side of Africa first we got front row viewing to Giraffes, Lions, Monkeys.. The desert area was super neat I must say! The dark room portion though really needs floor red lights or something to watch your step.
Ending with passing the Rhinos and Elephants was a little disappointing due to the total amount of people crowded around, it felt impossible to see with our little.
The carousel was down for maintenance which was also disappointing.
We didn’t see the red wolves which was what we were most excited for. The Grizzly Bear enclosure felt extremely too small. (Comparing to Oakland Zoos) The Polar bears would have been awesome to see but there was only 1 visible and he was near the gate.
Our next visit we would split our visit into 2 days.
Day 1: Arrive at opening, Park in North America, start with Kid Zone, walk all of NA, visit the butterfly garden, visit Desert.
Day 2: Arrive at opening, park in Africa, go either left for Giraffes, Lions, Gorillas or right for Rhinos and Elephants."
Jordan E.
"My family came yesterday, 3 adults and 4 kids. We walked 6.3 miles visiting 6 hours. We parked in Africa and did that loop first. We were lucky to be there for an elephants 51 bday party. It was sweet to watch. We enjoyed seeing all the animals like the elephants, zebras giraffes, baboons, gorilla, lion. The baby baboons were adorable. We got lucky on third try at giraffe landing to get to feed them and it was awesone. We took tram to North America and had lunch at farm to table. The carolina burger was great. It was a hot day and the water refill stations were very handy. We enjoyed the desert area and grizzly in North America. We were sad the seal area was under maintenance and polar bear and artic fox were hiding. Was a great visit and we all truly enjoyed."
Debbie Mclaughlin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro, NC. It's approximately 1.5 hours from both Charlotte and Raleigh, making it a popular day trip destination.
Public transportation options directly to the North Carolina Zoo are limited. It is best accessed by car.
The zoo is divided into Africa and North America sections. Many visitors recommend starting on one side and working your way through to avoid backtracking. Consider using the zoo's shuttle service to cover longer distances.
Yes, the North Carolina Zoo is designed to be accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with paved paths throughout.
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, food prices inside the zoo can be quite high.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices are typically around $15 for adults (13-61), $11 for children (2-12), and $13 for seniors (62+). Children under 2 are free.
Yes, North Carolina residents with SNAP/EBT can get a discounted admission of $5 per person for up to 5 people. Military discounts may also be available.
Hours vary seasonally. Typically, from April to October, the zoo is open 9 AM to 5 PM, and from November to March, it's 9 AM to 4 PM. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Generally, re-entry is permitted on the same day with a valid ticket stub. It's best to confirm this policy with guest services upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To fully explore the zoo, plan for at least 4-5 hours. If you're moving quickly, you might get through in about 3 hours, but you'll likely walk 3-4 miles.
Visitors often rave about the elephants, giraffes (especially feeding opportunities), lions, gorillas, and polar bears.
The zoo offers various experiences like feeding giraffes, a carousel (check for availability), and sometimes special events. The underground viewing of baboons is a unique feature.
There are several dining locations, including a farm-to-table option. However, some reviews mention food can be disappointing or overpriced. Water refill stations are available.
Yes, the zoo is very family-friendly with spacious habitats and opportunities for interaction. The 'Kids Zone' in North America is a great starting point for families.
📸 📸 Photography
The African Plains offer stunning backdrops with giraffes and elephants. The desert habitat's unique lighting can also yield interesting shots. Look for elevated viewing areas for wider shots.
It can be challenging due to the naturalistic habitats and animal movement. Early morning visits increase your chances of seeing active animals. Patience is key!
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check the zoo's official website or contact them directly to confirm their policy on tripods and professional photography equipment.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer softer light and can lead to more dramatic photos. Early mornings also mean more active animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to avoid disturbing the animals. Always be mindful of signage.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Feeding the giraffes is a particularly memorable experience for children.
🚶 Budget-Conscious Travelers
While the zoo is large, focusing on specific regions or utilizing the shuttle can help manage time and energy without needing to purchase additional services. Consider visiting during the off-season or on weekdays for potentially lower crowds and a more relaxed experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The Desert Habitat presents unique lighting and textures for creative shots. Be prepared for the challenge of photographing animals in naturalistic settings; patience and a good zoom lens are your best friends.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Scale of the North Carolina Zoo
+2This commitment to naturalistic habitats is a core philosophy of the zoo. Animals are housed in spacious areas that mimic their native landscapes, allowing them to exhibit more natural behaviors. This approach not only benefits the animals but also provides visitors with a more authentic and engaging viewing experience. The zoo is divided into two main regions: Africa and North America, each offering a distinct journey through diverse ecosystems.
Plans are underway to expand the zoo further with an Asia region slated to open in 2026, promising even more incredible wildlife encounters.
Navigating the North Carolina Zoo: Tips from Visitors
When planning your route, consider starting at either the Africa or North America entrance. Some visitors suggest starting in North America to visit the Kids Zone first, especially with young children, while others prefer to begin with the African Plains to see animals like giraffes and lions.
For those looking to save money and stay hydrated, bringing a refillable water bottle is highly recommended, as the zoo provides free refill stations.
Animal Encounters and Conservation at the NC Zoo
Visitors often highlight the impressive enclosures for animals like elephants, giraffes, and lions, offering excellent viewing opportunities. Special experiences, such as feeding the giraffes, are frequently mentioned as highlights by visitors, offering a unique and memorable interaction.
This dedication to both animal welfare and education underscores the zoo's role as a leader in zoological care and conservation efforts. While most exhibits are designed for optimal viewing, some animals may be less visible depending on the time of day or their natural behavior. For instance, polar bears are sometimes more active in the morning.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit