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
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Hours
Group 68
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. 

•  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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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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Are you familiar with the different bird species at the Zoo? One of the most unique species at the Zoo can be found in the Desert: the Von der Decken’s hornbill… NOT to be confused with another colorful bird, the toucan! 🚫 (Long explanation incoming but it’s super interesting and we promise it’s worth the read) 🤗 Hornbills, like the Von der Decken’s hornbill, are characterized by their long, curved bills and unique nesting behaviors. Most hornbill species, including the Von der Decken’s exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning that the males and females of the same species have different characteristics usually in size and color. Male Von der Decken’s hornbills have brightly colored orange beaks, while the females have solid black beaks and are physically smaller than the males. Hornbills are found in Africa and Asia. Specifically, the Von der Decken’s hornbill is native to Eastern Africa. In contrast, toucans have shorter, broader bills and are native to Central and South America. Toucans are also a monomorphic species, meaning the males and females look the same. If you made it this far, thanks for reading! 🤓 We hoped you learned something new! And don’t forget, the North Carolina Zoo is home to Von der Decken's hornbills NOT toucans!
Did you know? Here at the Zoo we offer a limited number of manual wheelchairs & Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) available for rent the Gift Shop located at the entrance. These are offered on a first come, first serve basis, no reservations are accepted. We suggest arriving early if you need to rent one or consider bringing your own. For more information on wheelchair and stroller rental, please visit our service desk! https://www.nczoo.org/visit/accessibility-needs
Check out this dancing Queeeen! 💃 The ostrich ladies often display their excitement through “dance”. This behavior occurs frequently in the mornings when they go on habitat. They spin around and stretch their legs in a display of contentment, eager to take on a new day! Ostriches, particularly males, engage in “dancing” as a means to attract females. To showcase their feathers, they perform movements aimed at capturing the attention of potential mates. Interestingly, both male and female ostriches may also “dance” simply to express feelings of excitement and contentment. Oh, and Happy Ostrich Day! 🥚
The speediest of serpents! 🐍 Let’s chat about the Sidewinder, also known as horned rattlesnake or sidewinder rattlesnake, this venomous snake is a pit viper species found in desert regions of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. These unique snakes can reach speeds of 18mph making them some of the fastest snakes across the globe! 🌎 🏃 #sidewinder #speedyserpents #nationalserpentday
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!