North America | North Carolina Zoo

The year 1994 was memorable at the Zoo as it’s when the North America region opened and when three polar bear siblings arrived, creating a statewide buzz. Our current polar bear stars are joined by black bears, red wolves and hundreds of other animals in this diverse region.

A small rendering of an Arbor Seal in bronze, that is positioned on its side, exposing its flippers to appear as if it is swimming.

Little Sea Dog

A fountain or geyser feature spraying a tall column of water high into the air against a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds. The water erupts from a base of reddish-brown and tan rocks, which are wet and surrounded by smaller, dark stones. The background is a vibrant green landscape with lush trees and a grassy hillside under the sunny sky.

Prairie Geyser

Visit the Zoo's uniquely created geyser near the Prairie habitat for a blast not to be missed!

Garden Friends playground with a unique bug and garden theme, which showcases giant leaf slides, large bugs to crawl on and a life sized spider web jungle gym all nested on a mulch covered ground.

Garden Friends Playground

This 5,625-square-foot area transforms gigantic sculptures of bugs, leaves, flowers and insects into an exciting playground for children! Our playground is available everyday, and it is included with your Zoo admission.

Honey Bee

A western honey bee collecting pollen from the raised yellow center of a bright red flower with lots of rounded petals. .

About:

Did you know honey bees use their wings to fan drops of water on the hive floor to air condition their home? Learn more about honey bees.

Read more about Honey Bee

Grizzly Bear

About:

Did you know waste materials produced when in torpor are not excreted but recycled within the body? Learn more about grizzly bears.

Read more about Grizzly Bear

North American River Otter

A North American River Otter perched on a rock to peer over it, its round, black nose lifted in the air, sniffing..

About:

Did you know river otters can dive to 60 feet? Learn more about North American river otters.

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Red Wolf

A lean red wolf with brown and rust colored fur standing under a fir tree, its long snout sightly lifted, appearing to sniff the air.

About:

Did you know the only place you can see American red wolves in the wild is in northeastern North Carolina? Learn more about red wolves.

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Sidewinder

a light tan or yellowish-brown rattlesnake coiled tightly in a defensive or resting position on a patch of dusty, light-colored soil. The snake's head is resting in the center of the coils, facing directly toward the viewer, with its prominent scales and small eyes visible. The background consists of larger dark brown rocks and debris, suggesting a dry, rocky habitat.

About:

Did you know female sidewinders are much larger than males? Learn more about sidewinders.

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Elk (Wapiti)

A close-up portrait of an Elk cow's head, showing its soft brown fur, large ears, and expressive eyes against a blurred, dark background

About:

Did you know another name for elk is wapiti? Learn more about elk.

Read more about Elk (Wapiti)

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