Animal Care Blogs | North Carolina Zoo

Summer Improvement Projects Underway
As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence, guests may notice Park maintenance projects in progress this summer. While minimal disruption is expected, some areas may have temporary barriers or visible work crews during your visit.
Zoo Closed Remainder of the Day: June 23, 2026

Due to repairs to main water lines in the City of Asheboro, which supplies water to the Zoo, the North Carolina Zoo, Wildlife Rehab Center, and all hiking trails are closed for the remainder of the day on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

An elephant fanning its large ears out as it swings its long trunk. Dark, dense trees line the vast field that sits in the background.

Animal Care Blogs

Elephant-Sized Pedicure

Self-care is important, even for elephants!

A smaller Gorilla sitting on the ground amongst shrubs and grass, eating some fruit.

Animal Care Blogs

Feeding 1,800 Mouths

Ever think about what it takes to feed a whole ZOO?

A curious chimpanzee named Nori gazes directly at the camera with an open mouth, framed against a lush green, sunny backdrop of her natural habitat.

Animal Care Blogs

All the Love for Nori

Read about the incredible story of chimp Nori!

Two zebras feeding in a grassy green habitat, showcasing their distinctive black and white stripes.

Animal Care Blogs

Zebra Scale Training

Animal Care Blogs

Un-bear-ably Fun Research

Read about some beary interesting research on our black bears, Luna and Nova!

A close-up of an adorable, very young Sand Cat kitten with sandy-striped fur, large dark eyes, and oversized ears, nestled among thick pieces of wood.

Animal Care Blogs

The Cat's Out of the Bag!

Read about the successful breeding between sand cat pair Cosmo and Najma!

A male and female lion stand and lie together in a grassy enclosure. The male lion, with a thick mane, stands behind the lioness, who is lying down and looking at the camera. A large rock formation is in the background.

Animal Care Blogs

Zoo Research: Does the Lion Sleep Tonight?

A day in the life of a lion...

Two Chimpanzees with black fur and faces, sitting huddled together in the grass. The one on the right has its arm around the other.

Animal Care Blogs

Zoo Research: Chimp Cognition

Learn more about the similarities in human and chimp cognition...

A large Gorilla walking on its strong arms and legs towards the right through a grassy field. A tall, rocky wall is visible behind it.

Animal Care Blogs

The Origins of Walking

Why are humans the only primates to walk on two legs?