May312024 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo welcomes 30 millionth all-time guest

NC Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo recently welcomed Maria Ines Perez, who became the 30 millionth guest since the site opened to the public in August 1974. (Photo Courtesy of the North Carolina Zoo) ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo celebrated a historic milestone this month, welcoming its 30 millionth all-time guest since the site park opened in 1974. Late last year, the Zoo welcomed their one millionth guest for the year, and those attendance numbers are not letting up. In April of this year, the Zoo recorded a record for single-month attendance with 192,000 guests. Now, the world's largest natural habitat Zoo is celebrating another attendance milestone by welcoming their 30 millionth all-time guest since the site park opened just shy of 50 years ago. Maria Ines Perez, the lucky 30 millio...

May252024 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

Special discount for Randolph County residents coming to North Carolina Zoo

NC Zoo

[Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] ASHEBORO – Randolph County residents will be able to visit the North Carolina Zoo for just $5 for a limited time later this summer. The NC Zoo turns 50 in August, and as part of the celebration the Zoo will have “Randolph County Days at the Zoo.” From Aug. 5th through the 30th, Randolph County residents, along with up to three guests, can visit the Zoo for $5 each. “This is a program to give back to our community and express our gratitude for 50 Wild Years here in Randolph County,” said Diane Villa, deputy director and chief communications officer at the North Carolina Zoo. Randolph residents will need to make an online reservation to receive the discounted rate. Up to three accompanying guests, who do not need to be from Randolph County,...

May102024 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

What’s New at the Zoo | New animals, Asia, and more!

NC Zoo

Anana, the North Carolina Zoo's female polar bear looks through the glass into the Polar Bear Cave. [Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] ASHEBORO — This year marks the North Carolina Zoo’s 50th anniversary, and while Asia isn’t opening until 2026, 2024 is still a big and busy year for one of the state’s best attractions. Late last year, the Zoo welcomed their 1millionth guest for the year, and those attendance numbers are not letting up. In April, the Zoo recorded a record for single-month attendance with 192,000 guests, and the Zoo says it is approaching 30 million all-time visitors. Whoever it happens to be is going to be in for a surprise. Summer comes to the Zoo Each April, as temperatures and the number of daily guests rise, the Zoo switches into summer mode. The entra...

Apr52024 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

NC Zoo warns of high attendance this weekend due to Spring Break

NC Zoo

Visitors to the North Carolina Zoo view Johnthan the Chimp. (Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo is warning visitors to plan ahead and be aware of expected higher than normal attendance through this weekend due to spring break. On April 1st, 2024, the N.C. Zoo officialy switched to spring hours, adding an extra hour, now remaing open until 5 p.m. Early spring has historically been the busiest time of year for the Zoo and officals says they anticipate high attendance through April 7th, due to spring break. In the interest of safety and preserving a positive vistor experience, and likley also to avoid traffic jams stretching out to the roundabout at the entrace again, the Zoo says they will be limiting access to the property when parking is full. "If you arrive ...

Feb132024 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

Vote for the NC Zoo for BEST ZOO in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards

NC Zoo

(Image provided by the N.C. Zoo) ASHEBORO N.C. - The North Carolina Zoo is asking for your vote after being nominated to compete against twenty other zoos for the title of 'Best Zoo' as part of USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards for 2024. A panel of experts with USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards nominated their top 20 picks for the best zoos in the United States. Among those picks was the North Carolina Zoo. The nomination coincides with the Zoo's 50th anniversary this year. In a post on social media, the NC Zoo Soceity said that "chosen by industry connoisseurs and USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards editors, we're honored to be among the nominees." Now it's up to the public to vote. You may vote once per day through Monday, March 4 at noon ET. The top The 10 winn...

Jan312024 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

NC Zoo | Desert Dome Welcomes Pair of Rare African Birds

NC Zoo

[Scott Pelkey | North State Journal] ASHEBORO N.C. – The Desert Dome at the North Carolina Zoo recently became the new home to a pair of rare African birds. Several months ago, two Von der Decken's Hornbills arrived at the North Carolina Zoo. Jake, the male, who came from the Los Angeles Zoo, and Zuri, the female, who came from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in New York. After spending around a month in quarantine, a standard precaution, the pair were introduced to each other and now reside together in the Desert Dome. Von der Decken's Hornbills (Tockus deckeni) are a distinctive species of birds found in the arid regions of East Africa, particularly in Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania. The birds distinguishing feature, is its large bill, also called a horn. “For them it's a too...

Jan42024 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Set to Temporarily Close for Staff Training and Safety Drills

NC Zoo

Emergency Services Vehicles near Junction Plaza at the NC Zoo. (Scott Pelkey / Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO N.C. – The North Carolina Zoo along will all its public walking trails will be closed to the public from Monday January 8th through January 12th for staff training, including required safety drills and maintenance. As an accredited Zoo through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo is required to conduct various safety drills involving its staff. These drills cover a wide range of scenarios, from protocols for handling animal escapes to responding to diving incidents, to fires, animal bites, and more. “Employees need to drill and practice their responses so that they are prepared in the event of an actual situation,” said Diane Villa, the Zoo’s Di...

Dec292023 by Scott PelkeyNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Sets Record Attendance After Passing One Million Guests in 2023

NC Zoo

ASHEBORO N.C. – With just a few days before the end of the year, the North Carolina Zoo exceeded one million guests in a calendar year for the first time in its history. On December 27th, 2023, Ran Liu and his family became the one millionth visitor to the North Carolina Zoo for the 2023 calendar year. The previous record for highest attendance in a calendar year was 930,002, set in 2022. The Liu family (Photo provided by NC Zoo) “Being recognized as the millionth guest was a pleasant surprise and an honor,” says Liu, a Zoo member according to a press release from the Zoo. “I look forward to the day when [the Zoo] celebrates two or three million guests in a year,” he explains. “Everyone should experience it for themselves. I encourage others to come, volunteer, or find a way to ge...

Dec142023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Mourns Tragic Loss of Giraffe Calf

NC Zoo

(Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO)-– The North Carolina Zoo is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Fenn, the beloved six-month-old giraffe calf, whose birth and presence at the Zoo delighted individuals around the world. A grief counselor has been brought in to support staff members as they navigate the emotions associated with this tragic loss. Fenn was nursing when he became unexpectedly startled by another giraffe. He bolted, colliding with a nearby gate and falling to the ground. Unfortunately, Fenn sustained head and neck trauma from the fall and passed away late evening Dec. 13 despite receiving rapid medical intervention from veterinary staff. Fenn was born at the North Carolina Zoo on May 20, 2023, to a first-time mother, Leia (14), and fathe...

Dec72023 by Randolph News NowNo Comments

North Carolina Zoo Announces Call for Artists: Artwork for New Asia Region

NC Zoo

"Elephant Group," by Peter Woytuk located at the NC Zoo Entrance (Acme News Archive) ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO) — The North Carolina Zoo and North Carolina Zoo Society announce a new public art opportunity for artists and artist teams to design art for the new continent of Asia. With a budget of $250,000 provided through the Zoo Society, this project will join the more than 150 works of art in and around the Zoo. The first step of the process, the Request for Qualifications, has begun and calls for artists (and artist teams) to submit their qualifications for the design, fabrication, and installation of a permanent outdoor public art project for installation within Asia. The request will run through Feb. 2, 2024. The art collection at the Zoo includes monumental works rangi...

NC Zoo

North Carolina Zoo welcomes 30 millionth all-time guest

Special discount for Randolph County residents coming to North Carolina Zoo

What’s New at the Zoo | New animals, Asia, and more!

NC Zoo warns of high attendance this weekend due to Spring Break

Vote for the NC Zoo for BEST ZOO in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Awards

NC Zoo | Desert Dome Welcomes Pair of Rare African Birds

North Carolina Zoo Set to Temporarily Close for Staff Training and Safety Drills

North Carolina Zoo Sets Record Attendance After Passing One Million Guests in 2023

North Carolina Zoo Mourns Tragic Loss of Giraffe Calf

North Carolina Zoo Announces Call for Artists: Artwork for New Asia Region

Federal Holiday – Christmas Day

City of Randleman Board Meeting