Open Today: 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
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For Over Fifty Years
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places
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What we do
The North Carolina Zoo protects wildlife and wild places and inspires people to join us in conserving the natural world.
Group 53
Tickets
Group 55
Hours
Group 68
Maps
Group 57
Events

Giraffe

Giraffa camelopardalis

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What's New at the Zoo

Something NEW and exciting is always happening at the world's largest natural habitat zoo. 

•  Miraculous White Deer

•  Zoo Earns Botanical Garden Accreditation

•  Ostrich

Closeup of a white deer and a brown deer laying side by side in front of a large log in the woods at the North Carolina Zoo

The Miraculous White Deer of the North Carolina Zoo

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A close-up of a colorful exotic butterfly for Butterfly Garden.

North Carolina Zoo Earns Botanical Garden Accreditation

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An ostrich out in the Forest Edge habitat.

Ostrich

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Plan Your Visit
Today at the Zoo
Feeding Times

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Garden Friends Playground

Open daily

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streamside-habitat-1
Connect with us
Instagram @NCZoo

Stay in touch with the Zoo! Follow us on social media for updates on everything from our wildlife conservation efforts to your favorite animals. Share your photos, stories, and videos with us as we celebrate 50 WILD years in 2024.

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Have you ever heard of Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro, NC? In the 1940s, Dr. William Sharpe, a white neurosurgeon, formed a lasting friendship with John Hurst, a Black country club guide (pictured below with his wife, C. Payne Lucas). Sharpe purchased 4,600 acres of land in North Carolina and entrusted it to Hurst to manage, despite racial threats and hostility. When Sharpe passed away, plans were made to transfer the land to the Hurst family. The family turned to the North Carolina Teachers Association (NCTA) to help, and in 1950, the park became a gathering space for Black residents. In 1961, Hammocks Beach State Park was created, becoming the first coastal park in North Carolina specifically for Black visitors. It offered a rare and cherished place for outdoor recreation and pride for Black communities in the region. ☀️ After the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the park was integrated. Today, Hammocks Beach spans 1,600 acres, including Bear Island, Huggins Island, and Dudley Island, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds to enjoy its natural beauty and historic significance. 🌊 Photos credited to NC State Parks. @ncstateparks #BlackHistoryMonth #HammocksBeachStatePark #NCParks #NCZoo #ExploreNC #CivilRights #OutdoorHeritage #NatureAndHistory
🌟🐻 We can’t do this without you! We come “bearing” yet another reminder to vote for our beloved North Carolina Zoo as “Best Zoo” in USA Today 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards! 🗳️ Remember to vote once per day, per device by following the link in our bio! http://bit.ly/3CNV9hR 🔗 Voting will remain open until March 10, 10:59 a.m. While you’re there, support our partner organization the North Carolina Zoo Society by voting in their nomination category, “Best Zoo Membership”. Thank you for all you do to support the North Carolina Zoo! 🫶🌟
You asked and we listened!☺️ Swipe for North Carolina Zoo snow content…👀✨❄️
✨🦓 February is international hoof care month! ✨🦓 Check out one of our Zebra’s getting their hooves checked and trimmed by their keeper during a veterinary exam. Prioritizing hoof care is crucial for the health and comfort of the hooved animals at the Zoo! During veterinary procedures, we maximize our time with the animals by closely, examining all aspects of the animal, whether it be hooves, paws, or wings! This allows us to ensure their well-being, well efficiently utilizing time with them.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
A Commitment to Excellence
Five Zoo volunteers posing for the camera in Africa Plaza.

Volunteer

There are many rewarding ways to volunteer your time at our park. Opportunities range from gardening to greeting to helping guests feed giraffes!

Kidzone play area, families, play, spring, zoo, outdoors, adventure, accessible

Kidzone

Nature Play Area for families to explore, get wet, get muddy, meet Animal Ambassadors, build a survival shelter, walk the Treetop Trail and more! Our play areas feature a stream, a fort making zone, a mud cafe, and more. Available year-round and free with admission.

 

Zoo Tours

Zoo Tours: Family Activities for All

Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our animal habitats and have a close animal encounter with the North Carolina Zoo Society!