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

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What's New at the Zoo

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

• Air Hike Ropes Course

• Kidzone

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

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Kidzone

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Plan Your Visit

Today at the Zoo

Feeding Times

View Full Schedule

Garden Friends Playground

Open daily

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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

Be like Gryphon the Pine Snake Animal Ambassador and drink your water! 💧
#SnakeSunday

watermelon day mood... 👀😋🍉
Be on the lookout today at the Zoo for watermelon enrichment for different animals throughout the day! ✨

🖤 With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved male ocelot, Diego.🐾🪽
Diego passed peacefully, surrounded by those who cared for him most. At nearly 22 years old, he lived an extraordinary life, far surpassing the typical ocelot lifespan of 7-12 years in the wild. His long life is a testament to the incredible care and love he received here at the Zoo.
Born in November 2003 at Palm Beach Zoo, Diego moved to San Francisco Zoo in 2006 where he met his long-time mate, Inca. In 2010, both Inca and Diego joined our Desert building and eventually made their home in a lush outdoor habitat in 2015. Together, this iconic duo raised ten offspring, contributing meaningfully to the future of their species.
Diego was known for his gentle, quiet nature. He was often tucked into the shadows, blending in with his surroundings, just as a nocturnal cat should. His habitat was carefully designed with his comfort and enrichment in mind, offering plenty of places to hide, climb, and observe.
Diego’s absence leaves a deep void in our hearts. We are grateful for every moment we had with him, and for the legacy he leaves behind with Inca. Our team will continue to monitor Inca’s wellbeing closely as she adjusts to this new chapter without her mate.
Please join us in remembering Diego, and keeping those who knew and loved him in your thoughts. 🐾💛 Thank you to Diego's keepers who shared these wonderful photos with us, we couldn't just pick a few, we wanted to share them all with you.✨

Happy World Ranger Day!
Today, we honor the dedication and bravery of rangers worldwide, whether they are the rangers here at the Zoo keeping guests safe during their visit or they are rangers protecting wildlife and wild places all over the globe. And we can’t forget their canine partners! 🌍
🐾 Their hard work protects biodiversity and ecosystems, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations. Part of the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, these dogs help their human counterparts patrol Namibia’s National Parks and work to stop the wildlife trade. Without their commitment, many species would disappear, and vital habitats degraded. The role of rangers is more important than ever. 💚
#WorldRangerDay2025

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!

Kidzone

Nature Play Area for families to explore, get wet, get muddy, meet Animal Ambassadors, build a survival shelter, walk the Treetop Trail and more! Our play areas feature a stream, a fort making zone, a mud cafe, and more. Available year-round and free with admission.

A group of eight young ladies standing next to a wire fence next to an animal habitat. A Rhinoceros stands with its side facing them on the other side of the fence, as they reach through and touch its back. A dusty lot and a line of trees stand in the background.

Zoo Tours: Family Activities for All

Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our animal habitats and have a close animal encounter with the North Carolina Zoo Society!