The North Carolina Zoo, located in the ancient Uwharrie mountain range, has five miles of tree-lined trails that immerse visitors in beautiful, diverse, and sometimes hilly terrain. Our Zoo is best experienced by using the trails; however, an accessible Zoo-wide transportation system is available to help guests navigate to three strategic locations inside the Zoo.
Service Animals are welcome at the Zoo according to the ADA guidelines. Pets or Emotional Support Animals are not allowed inside the Zoo.
Parking and Entrance
Accessible parking spaces are available at both entrances with a valid license plate or hangtag.
Service Animals
We welcome guests with disabilities that choose to bring their trained service animal (dog or miniature horse only as defined by ADA) inside the Zoo. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative when you arrive at Admissions for more information about your visit. While emotional support animals or comfort animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not permitted inside the Zoo. If you have questions about bringing your service animal into the Zoo, please contact us before visiting. (Service Animal Policy).
Personal Mobility Devices
Personal mobility devices are permitted inside the Zoo, but must be manually or electrically powered and operated at a walking pace, no more than 6 MPH. Personal mobility devices with less than three wheels will not be permitted. Devices must be single rider and not exceed 36 inches (92cm) in width and 52 inches (132cm) in length. Personal mobility devices with less than three wheels will not be permitted. We are unable to permit devices that cannot maintain stability and balance when stopped, unpowered or unoccupied without the use of a kickstand. Training wheels or similar modifications are not permitted.
Wheelchair and ECV Rentals
A limited number of manual wheelchairs and ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles) are available for rent at the Gift Shops at the entrance. These are available on a first come first served basis and we do not take reservations so we suggest arriving early if you will need to rent one or bring your own. Wheelchair and Stroller Rental Information.
Park Transportation
All of our buses and trams that provide in-park and parking lot transportation are wheelchair accessible. Weight limits for wheelchair ramps and lifts on the vehicles varies between 600-1,000 lbs.
Ramps on trams - 600lb maximum weight (including the wheelchair/ECV)
Lifts on Buses - varies 800-1,000 lb maximum weight depending (including the chair/ECV)
Medical, Allergy and Dietary Needs
The Zoo offers a variety of food and beverages available for purchase at our on-site restaurants. Please refer to our allergy menu for more specific information.
The Zoo also permits small coolers that support any allergy or dietary needs. Please note that large, rolling coolers are not permitted (coolers must be smaller than 24" x 15" x 18". Large coolers, rolling coolers, or wagons designed to transport food and beverages are not permitted. No large group or catered items, including party trays, bulk containers, or food service equipment) Park rangers patrol the Zoo and can help with medical emergencies.
Changing Areas
Guests in need of a private changing area for larger children or adults can be accommodated at our Guest Services offices located at the North America or Africa entrances.
Attractions
The Endangered Species Carousel at Junction Plaza includes a swan bench that accommodates wheelchairs. The Acacia Station Giraffe Deck, and Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden are also wheelchair accessible.
Sensory Inclusion
Sensory Sensitivity
The North Carolina Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our Team Members with continuous training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests. Download Zoo Map with sensory areas.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services offices located at the North America and Africa entrances and at Kidzone.
Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads are also available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services offices located at the North America and Africa entrances and at KidZone.
Quiet Zones
The Zoo has designated “Quiet Zones” throughout the park. These areas typically have less activity and spaces to sit and regroup after becoming overstimulated. Quiet Zones are in the following locations:
- Kid Zone Butterfly Pathway
- Gazebo near Black Bear
- Gazebo near the Desert
- Gazebo near Lemur
- Seating Area Near Baboon Trail
Headphone Zones
The Zoo has identified areas that are noisy and where guests tend to linger as “Headphone Zones.” These areas include:
- Kidzone
- Garden Friends Playground
- Junction Plaza
- Gorilla Playscape
- Treehouse Trek area
Social Story
A social story to assist with planning your zoo visit is available on the KultureCity App.
KultureCity App
Download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App on the App Store.
Personal Attendants/Caregivers
Guests with disabilities must pay admission fees to the Zoo unless another Zoo admission program applies. The Zoo provides complimentary admission for one personal attendant, caregiver, interpreter, or disability-related support person when that person is needed to assist a Guest with a disability in accessing Zoo programs, activities, facilities, or services. Complimentary support-person admission is obtained at the admissions windows or through Guest Services.
Complimentary support-person admission is based on the person’s role in assisting the Guest, not on the person’s family relationship or title. The support person must enter with the Guest and remain available to provide disability-related assistance during the visit. Staff may ask whether the support person is needed because of a disability-related access need and what assistance they will provide, but staff will not ask for a diagnosis, medical documentation, or details about the disability. Complimentary support-person admission is not transferable and may not be used by a person visiting independently.
Guests under age 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult while visiting the Zoo. Because this adult supervision is required for all Guests under 16, an accompanying parent, guardian, or responsible adult is not eligible for complimentary caregiver admission solely for accompanying a minor. Requests involving a disability-related need for a separate support person beyond ordinary adult supervision should be referred to Guest Services or a supervisor for review.
Zoo personnel may provide minor assistance, but they are not trained, authorized, or permitted to lift a Guest, transfer a Guest to or from a mobility device, assist with medication, or provide personal-care services. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis near the entrance.
