Description
The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Located in Asheboro, North Carolina, the North Carolina Zoo is around 5 miles long and features animals from across the continents of North America and Africa.
The North Carolina Zoo has involved in wildlife conservation with work in the preservation of various species like vultures and gorillas in Africa to endangered plants and American red wolves in North Carolina.
Tip: A farm-to-table cafe is located at the North American Plaza.
Need to Know
Pets or Emotional Support Animals are not allowed inside the Zoo.
For the most efficient visit, navigate using the Zoo tram with the strategy below:
- Parked in North America? Travel to Junction Plaza, explore Africa (it loops back to Junction Plaza), then enjoy the walk back through North America to your vehicle.
- Parked in Africa? Make your way to Junction Plaza, explore North America, ride transportation back to Junction Plaza, then finish your visit by walking through the rest of Africa on your way back.
If your day ends on the opposite side of the Zoo from where you parked, the parking lot shuttle is the easiest way to return to the other parking lot.
Trams and buses arrive approximately every 30 minutes, though wait times may be longer during busy periods.
Recreation
There are two hiking trails that start from the North Carolina Zoo North America parking lot. Hikers are invited to venture down one of their many hiking trails but ask that you please respect the Zoo rules, hours, and the privacy of adjacent landowners.
The Purgatory Mountain Trails consist of a network of four trails totaling nearly 5 miles and reach the summits of Purgatory Mountain (945 ft) and Middle Mountain (835 ft).
The Parking Lot Connector Trail links the North America and Africa parking lots, and is 0.7 miles in length and has a fine gravel surface and some moderate slopes. It is a beautiful, forested trail along a creek. This trail is an alternative way to get between the North America and Africa parking lots instead of taking a shuttle bus. No pets are allowed.
Amenities
The North Carolina Zoo has a variety of dining options, picnic tables, and attractions like a kids ropes course, giraffe feeding, playgrounds, carousel, and butterfly garden.
There is an accessible Zoo-wide transportation system available to help guests navigate to three strategic locations inside the Zoo.
A limited number of strollers, manual wheelchairs, and ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) are available for rent at the Gift Shops at the entrance.
The Zoo has designated “Quiet Zones” throughout the park.
Service Animals are welcome at the Zoo according to the ADA guidelines.
Fees and Passes
The North Carolina Zoo charges an admission fee with discounts for purchasing online, groups larger than 15+, seniors ages 62+, college students, military, children, and those enrolled in North Carolina Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).
Weather Information
In the Summer months, animals may seek shaded areas during extreme heat and may not be as visible to guests during this time. Arrive early before temperatures rise. The Zoo’s transportation system takes you to each tram stop, but most animals are not visible from the tram.
In the Winter months, many African animal species are allowed access to their indoor heated quarters for comfort. Start your visit by exploring North America before moving to the Africa side of the Park. As temperatures rise in the afternoon, more of the African animals may come out and be visible to guests. The Desert (North America) is a beautiful indoor heated space to visit along the way.
Flora and Fauna
The North Carolina Zoo is an officially accredited Botanical Garden. The North Carolina Zoo’s plant collection is focused on providing a representation of an animal’s native habitat for the education of its visitors and the well-being of its animals.
Geography
The North Carolina Zoo is located on the ancient Uwharrie mountain range, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. The North Carolina Zoo has five miles of tree-lined trails that immerse visitors in beautiful, diverse, and sometimes hilly terrain.
