News

The North Carolina Zoo values its relationships with media outlets. If you are a reporter and would like to arrange an interview, get more information on the Zoo’s animals and conservation science research or you would like to be added to the media list to receive media alerts and press releases, please contact Debbie Fuchs at Debbie.Fuchs@nczoo.org or 336.879.7204.

Press Releases

North Carolina Zoo’s Beloved Grizzly Bear Yepani Passes Away

ASHEBORO, N.C. – Sept. 19, 2019 - Yepani, a grizzly bear who has lived at the North Carolina Zoo for 25 years and was known for his gentle and patient personality, died Wednesday, Sept. 18.

North Carolina Zoo Strives to Save Carolina Gopher Frog

ASHEBORO, N.C. – Aug. 27, 2019 The North Carolina Zoo just completed its fourth successful season of “head-starting” an army (or group) of one of North Carolina’s rarest amphibians, the Carolina gopher frogs in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission (NCWRC).

Statement from North Carolina Zoo Director Pat Simmons

The following is a statement from the North Carolina Zoo Director

July 18, 2019

Unique Virtual Reality Experience Now Open at the North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro, N.C. May 20, 2019 - Expedition Africa, a virtual reality experience is now open at the North Carolina Zoo.

North Carolina Zoo: Birds, Blooms, Bees & Butterflies

Birds, Blooms, Bees, Butterflies and Bioblitz on Mother’s Day Weekend at the North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro, N.C. May 3, 2019 - The North Carolina Zoo is the place to be Mother’s Day weekend! Celebrate birds, blooms, bees and butterflies Saturday, May 11 with a variety of activities from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

North Carolina Zoo Announces Baby Chimp's Name

Asheboro, N.C. April 30, 2019 - The North Carolina Zoo recently asked the public to help name its newest family member -- a baby boy chimpanzee born Monday, March 18.

The winning name chosen was “Obi” O through an online poll on the Zoo’s website. Obi is a word of Nigerian origin meaning “one who charms others; heart.”

North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Loss of Chimp Maggie

Asheboro, N.C. April 15, 2019 - The North Carolina Zoo sadly announces that Maggie, the 46-year-old matriarch of the chimpanzee troop, was humanely euthanized on Friday, April 12, after a period of declining health. She was the alpha (or dominant) female of the troop for more than 35 years.

North Carolina Zoo - Gorillas on the line phone recycling program - sponsored by Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless along with the North Carolina Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers

Gorillas on the Line - Answer the Call

Asheboro, N.C. Apri 4, 2019 - Even taking small steps such as recycling old electronics can have a big impact on gorilla conservation. Bring in an old cell phone, tablet, iPod or MP3 player for recycling and receive a coupon good toward a $2 admission discount on Saturday, April 13, 2019.