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.
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Tickets
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Hours
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Maps
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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. 

•  Winter Camps 

•  New young Porcupine

camp counselor talking with campers

Winter Camps

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American Porcupine Rime

North American Porcupine

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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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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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American Indian Heritage Month is celebrated annually each November to honor the rich cultural heritage, contributions, and achievements of American Indian people. The North Carolina Zoo is situated on the ancestral homelands of many American Indian tribes who lived, cared for, and traveled through the region for thousands of years. We honor and acknowledge them as the first stewards of this land. We respectfully acknowledge the Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan and honor the enduring presence, vibrance, and diversity of contemporary Indigenous communities. The plaque pictured can be found by the Prairie habitat at the Zoo, where the bison and elk live, both symbolic animals to indigenous peoples. The state of North Carolina honors its American Indian citizens by issuing a proclamation from the Governor's Office and holding an annual American Indian Heritage Celebration at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh. #AmericanIndianHeritageMonth
Up close with polar bear, Anana! 👀 Anana, like most polar bears, has brown eyes and a clear “inner” eye-lid, called the nictitating membrane which helps her see underwater. But if you look closer, you can see light blue rings in her eyes! 🩵 Why does she have these? No one can really say for sure! It is thought that the blue rings are actually an optical illusion caused by the way the light reflects off of the irises against the white fur surrounding their eyes. This effect is accentuated when she is underwater, providing the best time to see it up close!
Animals exhibit a fascinating array of unique groups, ranging from intricate social structures, as observed in Hamadryas baboons, to herd dynamics seen in species like zebras & bison. Social groups are truly everywhere! Tag someone from your “social group” in the comments below…⬇️
Take a Walk! 🌲 Did you know the North Carolina Zoo has hiking trails? ⬇️Check them out below⬇️ ⛰️The Purgatory Mountain Trails offer nearly 5 miles of scenic paths through hardwood forests, creeks, and rock formations, leading to the summits of Purgatory Mountain and Middle Mountain. Leashed dogs are permitted on these trails which are open year-round when the Zoo is open. 🌳 The Parking Lot Connector Trail connects North America and Africa parking lots with a 0.7-mile forested route along a creek but does not allow pets. 🌿 Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve protects 423 acres in the Uwharrie Mountains with mature forests, wetlands, and impressive boulders at its summit; no pets are allowed on this 2-mile trail loop. 🌱 Ward Nature Preserve safeguards 323 acres of forested land featuring the Spring Trail’s scenic views of Bachelor Creek with rocky sections and moderate slopes suitable for leashed dogs. Happy Trails! See our website for more info: https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/attractions/hiking-trails
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!