Parking Alert:
The Africa parking lot and entrance is now closed for the season. All parking and Zoo access is through our North America entrance until April 2023.
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Tier 1 Counties
North Carolina Zoo is proud to join Governor Cooper’s Hometown Strong Initiative by providing school programs at a reduced rate for Tier 1 Counties.
EDventures at the Zoo
On-Site Programs
Looking for a wild experience for your students? The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of engaging educational programs for school groups visiting the Zoo. These programs enrich student learning about animals, the need for healthy habitats, and the actions they can take to help protect and preserve Earth’s natural resources. We offer programs for both classes (30 or less people) and assembly size programs (up to 200 people).
Class Size EDventures at the Zoo
These programs last 30 - 45 minutes and cost $75 each. These programs are designed for a maximum of 30 students and are themed around animal adaptations with live animal ambassador encounters as weather permits.
Assembly Size EDventures at the Zoo
These programs last 50 – 60 minutes and cost $115 each, or $165 for over 100 participants. These programs are designed for a maximum of 200 students and are themed around animal adaptations with live animal ambassador encounters as weather permits.
To Schedule a Program
There is a minimum of four weeks notice for any program and full payment is due at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program date.
For further information or to schedule a program for your school, contact the North Carolina Zoo's School Programs Office via 336.879.7718 or email.
Available Programs
| Target Grades | Program Description |
|---|---|
| K-5 | Gentle Giants of the Forest Explore the Gorilla habitat and learn about the special features and social structure of these gentle giants, their unique adaptations and the role the North Carolina Zoo is taking in helping to protect these amazing animals. |
| K-8 | Kitera Explorations: A Wild Look at Chimpanzees Come explore the Chimpanzee habitat and see the members of one of the largest chimpanzee troops of any United States zoo. Learn about chimpanzee behavior, how they communicate, and the current status of this remarkable species in the wild. |
| K-12 | Watani Wonders: All About Elephants and Rhinos Elephants and rhinos are some of the most popular animals at the North Carolina Zoo. This program is given at the Watani Grasslands Reserve which is one of the largest habitats at the Zoo. Students will have the opportunity to see what makes African elephants and southern white rhinoceroses so remarkable. |
| K-12 | Our Rocky Coast How can you tell if it’s a seal or sea lion? How do polar bears stay warm? Learn about the animals that call our Rocky Coast habitat home. |
Assembly at the Zoo
Assembly at the Zoo programs are available for large groups. These are themed around animal adaptions and are 50-60 minutes in length. If weather permits, there are also live animal ambassador encounters.
| Number of Participants | Cost per Program |
|---|---|
| 40 - 99 | $115 |
| 100 - 200 max | $165 |
To Schedule a Program
There is a minimum of four weeks notice for any Zoo to You programs and full payment is due at least two weeks prior to the scheduled program date.
For further information or to schedule a program for your school, contact the North Carolina Zoo's School Programs Office 336.879.7718 or toll free 1.800.488.0444 ext. 7718, or email.
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