Open Today: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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A panoramic view of a dense, green forest. A small, winding creek flows through the middle of the scene and is lined by trees and shrubs on both sides.

Regional Conservation

We are committed to protecting wildlife populations and their natural habitats right here in North Carolina. We preserve over 2,800 acres of land around the Zoo and are working to preserve native, natural habitats for the benefit of our community and future generations. In addition, we are working to protect some of North Carolina’s flagship species, like Eastern hellbenders, the American red wolf, and our state frog, the Pine Barrens treefrog.

A forested environment with the focus on a group of five gigantic boulders and a bunch of smaller rocks, giving the impression of mountainous terrain. A large puddle is in the foreground with tall grass growing in it, and reflecting the image of the sky.

Wild Land Preservation in North Carolina

The North Carolina Zoo protects native wildlife and habitat through the management of over 2,800 acres of land around the Zoo.

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A mother Red Wolf standing protectively over her four small pups who are huddled together next to a rock in a forested area.

Conserving North Carolina’s Red Wolves

By housing the second-largest pack of breeding American Red Wolves in the world, our park spearheads efforts to save this species from extinction.

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A long, mottled brown and black patterned amphibian with a flat, rounded head called a Hellbender laying camouflaged on some rocks.

Protecting North Carolina’s Amphibians and Reptiles

The North Carolina Zoo monitors and protects hellbender populations and is helping to save several of North Carolina’s rare frogs by raising tadpoles and releasing them back into the wild.

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A woman with long braids wearing a blue NC Zoo uniform and elbow length bird handling gloves kneels on the grass near a picnic shelter as she releases a small brown Barred Owl into the air.

Native Wildlife Rehabilitation

The Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides free veterinary and rehabilitation services to orphaned and injured native North Carolina animals.
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