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The North Carolina Zoo values its relationships with media outlets.  If you are a reporter and would like to arrange an interview, get more information or be added to the media list to receive media alerts and press releases, please contact Media@nczoo.org or 800.488.0444.

Press Releases

African lion

North Carolina Zoo announces death of 'fiercely devoted' elderly lion Reilly

Asheboro, N.C. – August 3, 2022  The North Carolina Zoo sadly announces the death of Reilly, a 23-year-old African lion, the oldest male lion in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institution.  
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Top 10 Guests with elephant

North Carolina Zoo Announces Record-Breaking Attendance of 1 Million Visitors

Asheboro, N.C. - July 22, 2022 - The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce it broke its all-time attendance record by welcoming 1 million visitors in the 2021-2022 fiscal year ending June 30.
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A family walking along a trail

Take a Hike! National Trails Day at North Carolina Zoo - June 4, 2022

Asheboro, N.C. – June 1, 2022  North Carolina Zoo Celebrates National Trails Day with Ribbon-Cutting of Completed Purgatory Trail Network
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Chimp Noriv

North Carolina Zoo Mourning Death of Chimp Nori

The quirky and full of sass chimp  captured hears and had many challenges through her short life  Asheboro, N.C. — May 04, 2022 - The North Carolina Zoo sadly announces the death of Nori, an 11-year-old member of the chimpanzee troop who was euthanized on Monday after a period of declining health.
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colorful birds in the aviary

North Carolina Zoo Announces the Permanent Closure of its Aviary Habitat

Asheboro, N.C. – April 21, 2022 - North Carolina Zoo Announces the Permanent Closure of its Aviary Habitat Built in the early 1980s, the 40-year-old domed structure requires significant repairs due to the effects of high humidity and wet conditions.
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Winter Birds in the Aviary

North Carolina Zoo Closes Aviary to the Public as Precautionary Measure to Protect Birds

Asheboro, N.C. – Jan 24, 2022 - With recently confirmed cases of avian flu in wild birds found in eastern North Carolina, the North Carolina Zoo is taking the precautionary measure of closing its Aviary habitat to the public.
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volunteer researchers

Grizzly Bear Has a New Home at North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro, N.C. – Dec. 13, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo announces the arrival of its newest resident – a 740-pound male grizzly bear named Ronan.
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