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N.C. Zoo is involved in a range of conservation and research projects & partnerships. From the re-introduction of nearly extinct red wolves in North Carolina to a partnership with Randleman High School on water quality.
The goal of these projects is to ensure an environmentally sound and economically self sustainable future. These efforts span the globe and are as diverse in their focus as they are in their location. Throughout this section you can explore our projects and partnerships.
The Zoo's conservation and research programs focus in four broad geographic areas:
An article by N.C. Zoo's Director, Dr. David M. Jones
The planet on which we live is host to an incalculable variety of wild animals and plants which have great significance for humankind. We are dependent on them for our health, nourishment and physical safety. They provide us with ethical and aesthetic inspiration and the opportunity for scientific discovery.
The animals and plants themselves combine in a myriad of naturally occurring complex associations, which, in occupying many different land forms, have contributed to unique and diverse habitats, and appealing landscapes. It is our task and responsibility to demonstrate the need for wise stewardship of these remarkable and unique resources.
Many species and habitats are under rapidly increasing pressure from humankind both directly and indirectly. The resources of forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, oceans and coasts, are under particular threat.
We now have many opportunities to halt and reverse these destructive trends for the immediate and future benefit equally, of ourselves, the animals and plants, and the ecosystem of which we are all an integral part and on which all life depends.
Attempting to conserve single species or a particular habitat in isolation of human interests has usually failed. Only where considerable resources and powerful political or other influential forces have allowed this approach, have they sometimes succeeded, but usually temporarily. Such influences and resources are ultimately withdrawn and projects fail.
The key objective in conservation success, locally and globally, has to be to persuade a significant proportion of the human population to understand that they depend biologically, spiritually and economically on maintaining the worlds life support systems which in turn means conserving large areas of the natural world and the diversity of their living components.
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N.C. Zoo is a member institution of AZA and an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr. Secretary; Michael F. Easley, Governor. A part of the North Carolina Government portal.
The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather. Call our information line at: 1-800-488-0444.
