Open Today: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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For Over Fifty Years
Saving Wildlife and Wild Places
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What we do
The North Carolina Zoo protects wildlife and wild places and inspires people to join us in conserving the natural world.
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Tickets
Group 55
Hours
Group 68
Maps
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Events

Giraffe

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. 

• Pumpkin Palooza

• Boo at the Zoo

•  New 5-month-old Porcupine

elephant-pumpkin

Pumpkin Palooza

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trick or treat at Boo at the NC Zoo

BOO at the NC ZOO

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American Porcupine Rime

North American Porcupine

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Plan Your Visit
Today at the Zoo
Feeding Times

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Garden Friends Playground

Open daily

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Kidzone

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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Hiking Trails

Every day

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streamside-habitat-1
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.

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Ocelots in October! 🧡 These elusive cats are the perfect fall felines. Ocelots Inca and Diego are blending right in with the fall foliage. They are both crepuscular and nocturnal, being most active at dawn, dusk & overnight! 🌙 Keep a watchful eye out…you never know when they may be lurking by 👀….
We are so excited about our new, special event, the "Beloved Pet Ofrenda" from October 27 to November 2 at the North America Plaza. This event honors the memories of beloved pets that have passed on, in conjunction with the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) tradition. Guests are encouraged to bring a 4 x 6" photo of their cherished pet that has passed on. In the spirit of Día de los Muertos, we'll honor their memories through a beautiful Ofrenda, where you can decorate frames for your pet photos and engage in creative crafts. More information on our website: https://www.nczoo.org/events/beloved-pet-ofrenda 🧡💛🧡💛🧡💛🧡💛🧡💛 El Zoológico de Carolina del Norte está organizando un nuevo evento especial llamado "Beloved Pet Ofrenda" del 27 de Octubre al 2 de Noviembre en North America Plaza. Este evento honra la memoria de las mascotas queridas que han fallecido, en conjunto con la tradición del Día de los Muertos. Se anima a los huéspedes a traer una foto de 4 x 6" de su querida mascota que ha fallecido. En el espíritu del Día de los Muertos, honraremos sus recuerdos a través de una hermosa Ofrenda, donde puedes decorar marcos para las fotos de tu mascota y participar en manualidades creativas. Los participantes pueden participar en manualidades como la fabricación de caléndulas, páginas para colorear y decoración de marcos. Más información:https://www.nczoo.org/events/beloved-pet-ofrenda
October has been and still is packed with events at the North Carolina Zoo! 🎃 🍂 The first weekend of Boo at the Zoo 👻 is ➡️ ONE WEEK AWAY! ⬅️ Here are some reminders if you’re planning to attend Boo: 🍁 All Boo at the Zoo activities will take place in Africa. 👻 Boo wristbands can only be purchased onsite, in both Africa and North America. There is no pre-sale or online sales. 🧟‍♀️ Only individuals PARTICIPATING in the Boo activities will need the wristbands. Parents of children participating in Boo do not need wristbands UNLESS the parents/family want to enter the Costume Contest. 🧛🏻‍♂️ There are costume guidelines that can be found on our website. 🍭 Have fun and be respectful of the animals and fellow guests!
Our hearts go out to our neighbors in Western North Carolina who are suffering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. As part of our commitment to supporting affected communities, the North Carolina Zoo is offering $5 admission to affected residents of the following NC counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Eligible guests may request the $5 rate (per person), extendable up to five additional guests in the same party. Requesters MUST present a valid form of a North Carolina ID indicating residence within the counties listed above to claim the discount. Offer good through November 15, 2024. On behalf of the entire North Carolina Zoo team, we welcome you to visit, explore, and recharge as you continue your journey toward recovery. ❤️
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
A Commitment to Excellence
Five Zoo volunteers posing for the camera in Africa Plaza.

Volunteer

There are many rewarding ways to volunteer your time at our park. Opportunities range from gardening to greeting to helping guests feed giraffes!

Kidzone play area, families, play, spring, zoo, outdoors, adventure, accessible

Kidzone

Nature Play Area for families to explore, get wet, get muddy, meet Animal Ambassadors, build a survival shelter, walk the Treetop Trail and more! Our play areas feature a stream, a fort making zone, a mud cafe, and more. Available year-round and free with admission.

 

Zoo Tours

Zoo Tours: Family Activities for All

Join a behind-the-scenes tour of our animal habitats and have a close animal encounter with the North Carolina Zoo Society!