Blog | North Carolina Zoo

Spring Break Alert
The Zoo anticipates high attendance, especially on warm, sunny days. For safety and guest experience, the Zoo may temporarily limit admission once parking reaches capacity. This will not only help with crowd management but will also provide a more relaxed and enjoyable visit for guests and their loved ones. Consider arriving early or carpooling, and check our site / social pages often for more updates!

A person in cold weather gear, stands on a trail in the woods, looking off to the right with a pair of binoculars. Next to them is a large sign with the title "Purgatory Trail" with a map and some instructions underneath.

Take a Hike: Celebrate National Trails Day on June 4

Explore the hiking trails at the Zoo!

A large grey Rhino with no horns stands alone, nibbling on grass in the middle of a wide plain that is sprinkled with trees and patches of tall grass.

Abby the Rhino's New Look

If you visit the Watani Grasslands habitat or perhaps take a Zoofari bus tour, you will likely notice one of our rhinos, Abby, is missing her front primary horn

A close-up of a vibrant yellow Dandelion flower with delicate, spiky petals, set against a backdrop of lush green foliage. A Bee is hovering over the bloom preparing to land.

Earth Day 2022 at the Zoo!

Friday, April 22, 2022, the North Carolina Zoo will observe Earth Day. We will have some native wildflower seed packets to distribute, at no charge, so you may begin to add flowers to your living space. Plant a small garden. If you haven’t the space, get a pot and start a container garden.

Three brown and tan patterned Giraffes standing proudly in a line behind a black and white striped Zebra in a grassy field that is lined with trees in the background.

Animal Care Blogs

Zoo Research: Exploring Space

A small brown Puerto Rican Crested Toad with mottled skin and large brown eyes sitting on the ground which is wet and covered with brown pine needles..

World Frog Day 2022

Here's to hopefully being out in the field in 2022!

A Rhinoceros standing in a savanna at sunset, a large tree trunk visible in the foreground an d a line of sparse trees stand behind it.

World Wildlife Day 2022: Reflections on Conservation After Two Years of COVID-19 

COVID has had an effect on wildlife conservation, read our Zoo team's thoughts on conservation in the past several years.

Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Black History and Me

In honor of Black History Month, long-tenured employee Chris Goldston shares his story and experience with diversity at the North Carolina Zoo.

A Polar Bear swimming next to a rock wall in the bright, blue water of its pool.

Animal Care Blogs

Polar Bear Payton’s First Year at the North Carolina Zoo

February 27, 2022, is International Polar Bear Day

Two Black Sulu Hornbills are perched on a thick, horizontal tree branch. Both birds have entirely black bodies and casques, with striking long, pale yellow tails. The birds are framed by dark green leaves against a bright, blurred forest background.

Nicky Icarangul

Nicky Icarangul

Love Hornbills Day 2022

Read more about these magnificent birds knows as the “Gardeners of the Rainforest”