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

Explore More

What's New at the Zoo

Something NEW and exciting is always happening at the world's largest natural habitat zoo.

• Boo at the North Carolina Zoo

• Pumpkin Palooza

• Fall and Winter Day Camps

A close-up of two young girls smiling and standing close together. Both are wearing black cat ear headbands with cat ears. The girl on the left has long, straight hair and is wearing a black shirt with a bright, multi-colored animal print. The girl on the right has curly hair and is wearing a solid black shirt. In the background, there is a string of orange and black Halloween flags, and a landscape of trees under a cloudy sky.

Plan Your Visit

Today at the Zoo

Feeding Times

View Full Schedule

Prairie Geyser

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Garden Friends Playground

Open daily

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Air Hike Ropes Course

10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Last entry 3:00 p.m.

Weather Permitting

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

10 a.m. - 3:30 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

The time is now! Catch a ride on Zoofari to see antelope, rhinos, and stunning fall foliage! 🍂 Get aboard a specially outfitted, open-air vehicle for an exclusive tour of the 40-acre Watani Grasslands.🦏 November 15th is the last day to enjoy Zoofari in 2025.
✨ Available Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. or 12 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. ✨
Learn more on our website: https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/attractions/zoofari

Getting a little spooky this Snake Sunday! 🐍 Check out this snake skeleton used by the education team for Zoo talks!💀✨ #snakesunday #nczoo

🎃 Gourd times ahead at the North Carolina Zoo...
👻 Boo at the Zoo: Oct 18 & 19 and 25 & 26 – family fun for everyone!
🕯️ Beloved Pet Ofrenda: Nov 1–8– a time to honor pets who have passed.
✨ Pumpkin Palooza: Nov 8 & 9 – animals receive pumpkin enrichment!
Don't miss our favorite fall events! For more information see our website: https://www.nczoo.org/experiences/events 🐾🍁

Did you know Farm to Table in North America Plaza offers specialty espresso based drinks?? Well…now you do! 😉🍁☕️👀

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.

Diverse guests feeding a giraffe at the Zoo.

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.