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...
(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 win...
[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 to...
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. Read More
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 D...
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 g...
ASHEBORO, N.C. (NC ZOO) — To celebrate the season of giving, the North Carolina Zoo is delighted to announce a December promotion to give back to the community: Jingle in the Jungle! From Dec. 18-22, all general admission is $5 for entry to the North Carolina Zoo. No other discounts apply; in-person sales only (no online reservations).
The North Carolina Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter months and is closed to the public on Christmas Day (Monday, Dec. 25). Note that the Africa parking lot and ticket booths are closed for the winter, but guests can visit the entire park by entering through the North America ticket booths.
For more information, visit NCZoo.org.
(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 fath...
"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 rang...
(Acme News Archive)
Every November 11th we honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Check out our list of Veterans Day events taking place across Randolph County this year.
Know of an event we missed? Let us know so we can add it.
Happening This Week
NC Zoo - Military Appreciation Week
November 6 - November 12 - NC Zoo
In honor of Veterans Day, the North Carolina Zoo is offering free admission for military personnel and veterans and free admission for one accompanying guest for Military Appreciation Week, Nov. 6-12, 2023.
VIEW EVENT DETAILS
Want More Veterans Day Discounts & Freebies? Check out our full list of businesses, restaurants, and attractions offering free or discounted items or services here.
Asheboro Fiel...
