Advance reservations are no longer required to visit the Zoo. Given the continued threat of COVID-19 and variants of the virus, face masks are required for indoor areas of the North Carolina Zoo. Face coverings are also required at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck.
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.
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). We are currently not booking assembly programs due to COVID-19.
These programs last 30 - 45 minutes and cost $75 each. These programs are designed for a maximum of 30 students.
For all programs we follow the most up-to-date guidelines from the Governor's Office. We are only scheduling small group outdoor programs at the moment for everyone's safety. No assembly programs available.
| 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 | Trekking Through a Tropical Forest Learn about the importance of healthy tropical forest habitats and the bountiful resources they provide while visiting the Zoo's Forest Aviary. Make your way through the tropical forest of the Aviary and uncover animals like flamingos, poison dart frogs, and tropical birds |
| 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 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 |
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.
Our educator resources have ideas for both classroom and Zoo field trip activities for students of all ages focusing on wildlife, plants, and their natural habitats.
We provide unique and fun learning opportunities for non-school groups and organizations through our Ed-Zoo-Cation programs.
Annual fall contest for K-12 graders where art and conservation collide.