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 Diane.Villa@nczoo.org or 800.488.0444.

Press Releases

Ronan Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear Has a New Home at North Carolina Zoo

Asheboro, N.C. – Dec. 13, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo announces the arrival of its newest resident – a 740-pound male grizzly bear named Ronan.

Five elephants in a grassy field with trees and a pond

North Carolina Zoo Receives Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Asheboro, N.C. – Nov. 29, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo is pleased to announce it has once again received the honor of accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Five elephants in a grassy field with trees and a pond

North Carolina Zoo Receives Top International Award for Environmental Sustainability

Asheboro, N.C. – Oct. 19, 2021 The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Annual Environmental Sustainability Award recognizes one zoo or aquarium with significant achievement in sustainable practices. 

Otter at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

North Carolina Zoo Celebrates 20 Years of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Asheboro, N.C. – August 18, 2021  - The Zoo's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is the only one of its kind in U.S. zoos. Speakers include Deputy Director Jeff Michael of N.C. Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources and Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jb Minter.

Tommo grizzly bear laying on his back

North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Loss of 'Amazing, Goofy' Grizzly Bear

Asheboro, N.C. -  July 09, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo is grieving the loss of Tommo, a beloved grizzly bear who lived at the Zoo for 26 years. The 31-year-old bear's quality of life quickly declined to the point that the Zoo's staff made the difficult decision to euthanize him this week. 

2021 red wolf puppies

North Carolina Zoo Announces Red Wolf Pup Names Chosen by the Public

Asheboro, N.C. – June 30, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce the names of the six red wolf pups (four females, two males) born on the guest view habitat to first-time parents Flint (male) and Sassy.

Guests at the chimp habitat

The North Carolina Zoo Announces Changes in Operations Starting July 1

Asheboro, N.C. – June 29, 2021 – The North Carolina Zoo will resume normal operations, with no capacity limits, starting July 1, 2021.

new 2021 red wolf pup

North Carolina Zoo Asks Public to Vote on Names of American Red Wolf Pups

Asheboro, N.C. – June 18, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo is asking the public to vote for names for six American red wolf pups born in April. 

Bull Elephant Louis in the water

The North Carolina Zoo Welcomes African Elephant Louie

Asheboro, N.C. June 3, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce an African bull elephant, Louie, is joining the Zoo’s herd. Louie arrived on May 25, and he is settling in well to his new habitat. 

new 2021 red wolf pup

The North Carolina Zoo Announces Three Litters of Red Wolves Born in Span of Three Days

Asheboro, N.C. – May 17, 2021 - The North Carolina Zoo announces the birth of three litters of critically endangered American red wolves as part of its red wolf breeding program.  This is the first time in the Zoo’s breeding program that three litters were born in one spring.

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