Open Today: 9 A.M. - 5 P.M.
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A sand cat with large eyes and a striped coat crouches on a log, looking directly at the camera.

Creature Catcher Event

Event Dates
Sat, Jul 11 2026, 9:30am - Sun, Jul 12 2026, 4pm
Cost

Free with admission

A person wearing a dark blue toboggan and jacket, stands at what appears to be a trail head in a forest, looking through a pair of binoculars. A large sign with the title "Purgatory Trail" appears to hold a map, and trail rules.

Players can join millions of fellow Trainers worldwide for our Creature Catcher Event, a two-day celebration coinciding with Pokémon GO Fest 2026: Global!

This event is FREE for all Trainers logged in July 11-12, 2026, with exclusive opportunities in store for those who choose to play at the North Carolina Zoo.

Highlights:

  • Seek out more than 50 PokéStops and 12 Gyms at the world's largest natural habitat zoo.
  • Lures will be placed randomly throughout each day to attract more Pokémon.
  • Creature Catcher Quest scavenger hunt with exclusive prizes, available while supplies last. 
    • Number of daily players will be limited, so arrive early for a chance to play!
    • Prizes reserved only for players who complete the quest. 
  • On-site food vendors will be offering a selection of event-themed menu items for purchase.
  • Costumes/cosplay is allowed and encouraged!

Costume Guidelines:

  • Costumes must be family-friendly.
    • No scary costumes.
    • Costumes must not expose excessive portions of skin that may be viewed as inappropriate in a family environment.
  • For participants 13 and older, costumes, masks, makeup, or face paint cannot cover the face. 
    • Small embellishments or themed accessories are okay.
  • Costumes should not contain any weapons that resemble or could be mistaken for an actual weapon.
  • Costumes must be safe to be worn throughout the Zoo. 
    • Costumes should not drag on the ground or create a trip hazard.
    • Costumes should not contain sharp objects or material that may accidentally strike another person.
a person wearing a dark blue NC Zoo uniform and blue latex gloves holds a newborn Red Wolf pup to show the viewer while standing in an outdoor environment. The person's face is not visble.

Optional Mission: Donate a minimum of $10 to the NC Zoo Society's Save the American Red Wolf Fund (between 9 a.m. on July 11, 2026 and 8 p.m. on July 12, 2026) for a chance to win a bundle of ALL possible event prizes (one of each type) PLUS a 1-year family membership to the Zoo. Prizes can only be mailed to addresses within the United States.

Other tips:

  • Bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated while you play!
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather protection (i.e. sunscreen, hat, etc.) as appropriate.
  • Pack a portable phone charger or battery boost for uninterrupted play.
  • Wi-Fi and cell signal varies in strength and reliability, so check with your provider for coverage details.
  • Players and guests must remain on public trails and be aware of their surroundings at all times.