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Get ready for wonder and discovery as you enter the amazing North Carolina Zoo located in the magnificent rolling hills of the Uwharrie Mountains, near Asheboro.
Bring your curiosity and a comfortable pair of shoes to explore more than 500 acres which will allow you to see everything from Polar Bears in the icy Rocky Coast of North America to an authentic African marketplace just beyond zebras, elephants, and giraffes all in one day!
Proud to be the country's largest and finest walk-through, natural-habitat zoo, the 37 acre African Plains exhibit is as large as many entire zoos!
You will find that the king of the jungle, the lion, has competition in the popularity department here. As you travel the hilly, wooded terrain of the Zoo, approximately one thousand animals and five miles of trails await your exploration. We even have nearly one thousand additional acres for future expansions and improvements.
Polar bears, sea lions, river otters, bison, elk, alligators, elephants, rhinoceros, chimpanzees, baboons, gorillas, giraffes, zebras, ostriches and tropical birds await your visit as do dozens of other species. Our Sonora Desert, African Pavilion, R.J. Reynolds Forest Aviary, and Streamside exhibits provide premium indoor viewing as well.
Free parking, shuttle buses between parking lots, lockers, gift shops, restaurants, trams to various locations (not exhibits), refreshment stands, outdoor amphitheater, stroller rental, and picnic areas are here to enhance your visit.
A limited number of electric and manual wheelchairs are are available for rent and can be accommodated on trams and buses (although you will be unable to view exhibits from these vehicles). Signs at Zoo entrances will inform you of our many exciting special events. You may see the entire Zoo by entering at either the Africa or North America entrances.
We also have lost and found, first aid, and visitor information at the Zoo. Water fountains and benches are located for your convenience throughout the park.
For particular needs or answers to questions please ask our Visitor Services staff and review our Frequently Asked Questions.
We do not allow visitors to grill food, or bring pets, coolers, or alcohol into the park. Picnic areas are located outside of the North America and Africa entrances. No picnics are allowed inside of the gates. Please refer to our Rules of the Jungle for complete information.
Good Food and Gifts… Our Gift Shops offer film and batteries, a full range of gift items, exclusive Zoo apparel, books, educational gifts, plush animals and toys, stroller rentals and more.
Offering everything from sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, vegetarian items, ice cream, candy, snacks and of course, hot and cold beverages, our menus are available for your review.
For School Group Registrations and other groups and information please check here.
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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.
