ASHEBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina Zoo has claimed the top spot in a nationwide contest for “Best Zoo” in the United States. The North Carolina Zoo was first nominated in the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards in July 2024, with public voting open daily from July 3-31.

Contest nominees were proposed and vetted by a panel of travel writers and tourism experts before a final voting selection was made by Newsweek editors. Top-10 results were made public on Aug. 8, with North Carolina Zoo ranking #1: 

     1. North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC 
     2. Memphis Zoo in Memphis, TN 
     3. San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, TX 
     4. Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, IL 
     5. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in Denver, CO 
     6. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores, AL 
     7. San Diego Zoo in San Diego, CA 
     8. The Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, OH 
     9. St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis, MO 
   10. Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA 

This marks the second time in six months the North Carolina Zoo has taken home a “Top 10 Readers’ Choice" title in a nationwide contest. The honor could not have come at a better time for the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, which turned fifty earlier this month. 

“It is humbling to be recognized as ‘Best Zoo’ during our golden anniversary year when we are reflecting on our past and looking to the future,” explains North Carolina Zoo Director and CEO Patricia Simmons. “The North Carolina Zoo set out over fifty years ago to create a zoo unlike any other, and we are deeply honored by the outpouring of love and support throughout this contest period and beyond. This award, like any accolades we receive as an organization, is dedicated to our Zoo Team members, community partners, generous donors, and loyal guests who make the North Carolina Zoo an unforgettable place to work and visit.” 

To join the North Carolina Zoo in saving wildlife and wild places, visit the nation's "Best Zoo" or learn more at www.nczoo.org.