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.

A small, colorful bird, possibly a Pekin Robin or similar species, perches on a bare brown branch, featuring an olive-green back, a bright yellow throat and chest, and a hint of red or orange on its wing.

Animal Care Blogs

Pekin Robin Breeding

Read about a species of bird that has been a part of the Aviary since its opening!

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

Our Youngest Chimps: Obi & Asha

Catch up on our youngest troop members!

Two white polar bears, one standing on a rock and the other partially submerged in the water, are touching noses.

Animal Care Blogs

Polar Bear Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Oh, the dynamics of polar bear dating!

A Greater Kudu standing in a vast field looking towards the viewer, showcasing its tan fur, distinctive white stripes, and impressive horns that spiral up.

Animal Care Blogs

Meet Twix, the Greater Kudu

Greater Kudus are Africa's second-largest antelope

A black and white seabird with its bright orange beak open and its neck craned to the right.

Animal Care Blogs

Without Feather Ado; Caring for the Seabird Colony

Caring for three different types of seabirds takes more than you think!

A close-up photograph of a gorilla's face as it sits among green foliage and eats a light-colored piece of stalk or fruit held in its hands. The gorilla has dark, thoughtful eyes and black fur and is looking directly at the camera.

Animal Care Blogs

Zoo Research: A Diet with A-peel!

A gorilla's diet may surprise you...

Animal Care Blogs

Reinforcing Red River Hogs

Belly scratches for the hogs!

A mottled brown Hellbender salamander underneath the water nestled amongst the rocks on the river floor.

Animal Care Blogs

Hellbenders: Caring for North America's Largest Salamander

North America's largest salamander is a what?!

A vampire bat standing upright on a rock on its hands and feet with its wings tucked back. Its tiny flat snout, sharp teeth and large, pointed ears are clearly visible.

Animal Care Blogs

Vampire Bat Colony Care

Vampires at the Zoo?!