For Over Fifty Years

Saving Wildlife and Wild Places

What we do

The North Carolina Zoo protects wildlife and wild places and inspires people to join us in conserving the natural world.

Giraffa camelopardalis

Explore More

What's New at the Zoo

Something NEW and exciting is always happening at the world's largest natural habitat zoo.

• Villa Named Interim Zoo Director

• Air Hike Ropes Course

• Kidzone

The entrance sign for the North Carolina Zoo is visible, featuring a large, curved sign with "North Carolina Zoo" written across it. Above the text, silhouettes of various animals (including an elephant, giraffe, and bears) are depicted against a yellow sunrise. The sign is set into a grassy mound surrounded by tall reeds and trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Villa Named Interim Director of North Carolina Zoo

Learn More

A person wearing a harness and helmet navigates a rope net bridge high up in a forest canopy, surrounded by green trees. Another person in similar gear is partially visible on a wooden platform to the right.

Air Hike Ropes Course

Learn More

Kidzone

Learn More

Plan Your Visit

Today at the Zoo

Feeding Times

View Full Schedule

Garden Friends Playground

Open daily

view

Air Hike Ropes Course

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Last entry 3:00 p.m.

Weather Permitting

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Every day

Connect with us

Instagram @NCZoo

Stay in touch with the Zoo! Follow us on social media for updates on everything from our wildlife conservation efforts to your favorite animals. Share your photos, stories, and videos with us as we celebrate 50 WILD years in 2024.

Visit the Zoo's Instagram

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

A Commitment to Excellence

Volunteer

There are many rewarding ways to volunteer your time at our park. Opportunities range from gardening to greeting to helping guests feed giraffes!

An aerial view of the Akiba Bridge, a long wooden bridge with colorful designs and a pergola in the middle that leads from the parking lot, through dense trees, over a lake and ending at the African entrance of the NC Zoo.

Land Acknowledgement

The state of North Carolina is situated on the ancestral homelands of many American Indian tribes who have lived in this place, cared for these lands, and traveled throughout the region for thousands of years.

A white NC Zoo tram is parked next toa covered tram stop. The driver and another staff person prepare the vehicle as a tall, slender woman pushes a red wheelchair towards it.

Diversity and Inclusion

Our park serves and welcomes everyone, and it is our promise to value equity, respect, inclusivity, and kindness. Everyone can enjoy an unforgettable day trip here.