Support the North Carolina Zoo
The Zoo Society exists to support the North Carolina Zoo and its mission of education, wildlife conservation, animal care and wellness, and guest experience. Our goal is to secure a safe and enduring future for the Zoo and its programs.
The Zoo Society is a private, 501(c)(3), non-profit organization. Its members, donors, and other supporters provide financial support for Zoo and Society programs that protect wildlife and the environment while providing venues where people can strengthen their bonds with the natural world.
Annual Memberships
| Membership Name and Benefits | One-Year Price | Two-Year Price |
| Individual includes all membership benefits for one person | $69 | $128 |
| Companion includes membership benefits for one person and one guest per visit*, OR two named adults in the same household | $89 | $168 |
| Family includes membership benefits for two adults who live in the same house and for their children under 18 years old | $109 | $208 |
| Grandparent includes membership benefits for two adults who live in the same house and for their grandchildren under 18 years old | $109 | $208 |
| Zookeeper* includes all Family membership benefits above, admission for two guests per visit* and NC Zoo Society license plate | $200 | $390 |
| Curator* includes all Zookeeper membership benefits above plus admission for one additional guest per visit* | $300 | $590 |
Members aged 62 and older receive a 20% discount. Please call 336.879.7250 to confirm your discount.
* Guest admission is limited to visits to the North Carolina Zoo; it does not include our reciprocating zoos and aquariums.
Lifelong Memberships
| Membership Name and Benefits | Price | |
| Life Member/Director's Guild Includes lifelong Family-Plus membership benefits above, 10 guest passes per year, invitations to the annual Life Member social, an engraved Life Membership card, a Life Membership certificate, a Life Membership decal, and a decorative Zoo Society license plate | $1800 | |
| Life Member/President's Club ** Includes lifelong Family-Plus membership benefits above, 10 guest passes per year, recognition at the Zoo's entrance, an engraved Life Membership card, a Life Membership decal, a Life Membership certificate, an invitation to the annual President's Club dinner and tour, and a framed wildlife print. | $5000 | |
| Life Member/Conservator's Circle** Includes lifelong Family-Plus membership benefits above, 10 guest passes per year, recognition at the Zoo's entrance, an engraved Life Membership card, a Life Membership decal, a Life Membership certificate, an invitation to the annual Conservator's Club dinner and tour, and a framed wildlife print | $5000 plus $1000 annually | |
** Quarterly and monthly payment options are available for President's Club and Conservator's Circle memberships. Please call 336.879.7250 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Membership
Corporate Memberships
The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, a leader in wildlife conservation and the best place to connect your brand, your people and your sustainability mission. By partnering with the NC Zoo Society and the NC Zoo, we can work together to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. Proceeds from the Corporate Membership program supports Zoo operations and empowers its staff to pursue the Zoo's missions in conservation, education, recreation, and research. More info
| Membership Name and Benefits | Price | |
Corporate Elephant | $20,000 | |
Includes 400 one-day guest passes for FREE admission & 10% discount at all society gift shops. Also includes 8 Corporate VIP cards that admit up to 6 guest per visit any day the Zoo is open. ** Max 800 guest entries per membership year | $10000 | |
Includes 200 one-day guest passes for FREE admission & 10% discount at all society gift shops. Also includes 5 Corporate VIP cards that admit up to 6 guest per visit any day the Zoo is open. ** Max 500 guest entries per membership year | $6000 | |
Includes 125 one-day guest passes for FREE admission & 10% discount at all society gift shops. Also includes 3 Corporate VIP cards that admit up to 6 guest per visit any day the Zoo is open. ** Max 300 guest entries per membership year | $3000 | |
Includes 50 one-day guest passes for FREE admission & 10% discount at all society gift shops. Also includes 2 Corporate VIP cards that admit up to 6 guest per visit any day the Zoo is open. ** Max 200 guest entries per membership year | $1250 | |
Includes 25 one-day guest passes for FREE admission and 10% discount at all society gift shops. Also includes 1 Corporate VIP card that will admit up to 6 guests per visit any day the Zoo is open. ** Max 100 guest entries per membership year | $625 | |
For a replacement Membership Card you can call Membership Services 336.879.7250 or see a Membership Services representative at Lane #6 at either of the Zoo entrances. The fee for a replacement card is $5.00.
Your adventures at the North Carolina Zoo can begin as soon as we receive payment. Please note the following information about processing and activation times.
- If you purchased your membership on Zoo grounds: Your membership is active right away. You will receive a receipt that will serve as a temporary membership card that you can use at the North Carolina Zoo until your permanent card arrives in the mail.
- If you purchased your membership on-line: You can begin entering the Zoo as a member right away. Just print your email confirmation/receipt and bring it with you when you visit the North Carolina Zoo or simply show it at the Members-Only express entry gate on your mobile device along with a photo ID.
- If you purchased your membership on through the mail or over the phone: Your membership will be active within seven (7) working days of us receiving it in our office. If you would like to visit before your membership card arrives in the mail, call the North Carolina Zoo Society office at 336.879.7250 Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm, and you will be issued a day pass or confirmation email.
Memberships are valid for one year from time of purchase; they are not based on the calendar year.
Your Membership Card will be mailed to you. You will receive it within 10 to 12 working days from the date we receive your payment.
Yes, if you forget your card you can proceed to the Members-Only express entry lane # 6 at either entrance. Photo ID is required. However, please be sure to take your membership card with you when you visit one of our reciprocal zoos, it will be required.