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.

• Holiday Gift Guide

• Brown Pelicans

• Visit the Desert

Two fluffy, white Arctic foxes stand facing off on a rocky ledge. They are both crouched low with their mouths open and teeth bared.

Plan Your Visit

Today at the Zoo

Feeding Times

View Full Schedule

Garden Friends Playground

Open daily

9 a.m. - 4 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

Anana is here to tell you that the North Carolina Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, November 27th. 🎉 November 27th is also her 26th Birthday! 🎂 So, let’s give an early Happy Birthday to Polar bear Anana in the comments below!

“Look at me, I’m a rhino!!” - the waterbuck, probably…👀🤣🦏

Now for the stars of Pumpkin Palooza, the elephants! 🐘 This year, they enjoyed a variety of 300lb pumpkins donated from Carrigan Farms! Thank you! It was a smashing gourd time!💥🎃

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!

An aerial view of the Akiba Bridge, a long wooden bridge with colorful designs and a pergola in the middle that leads from the parking lot, through dense trees, over a lake and ending at the African entrance of the NC Zoo.

Land Acknowledgement

The state of North Carolina is situated on the ancestral homelands of many American Indian tribes who have lived in this place, cared for these lands, and traveled throughout the region for thousands of years.

A woman with long dark hair, wearing a red shirt and seen from the back, holding a small child with curly hair on her hip, as they interact with a giraffe. The woman is holding a piece of green foliage which the giraffe is gently eating. The giraffe's spotted head and neck dominate the left side of the frame, and the scene takes place at a low wooden fence.

Outreach and Engagement

Our park serves and welcomes everyone, and it is our promise to value equity, respect, inclusivity, and kindness. Everyone can enjoy an unforgettable day trip here.