Outdoor Recreation Experiences
The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of outdoor recreation activities for guests of all ages. Visit animal habitats of North America and Africa species and catch a Keeper Talk! Additionally, guests can explore and engage with our expansive outdoor public art collection or participate in an educational hike.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful stroll through the Butterfly Garden or your little ones want to ride an elephant on the Carousel, the North Carolina Zoo has options for you and your family!
Room To Roam
The North Carolina Zoo is the world's largest natural animal habitat zoo. Journey along miles of shaded trails to discover more than 1,700 animals in expansive habitats ranging from African grassland to Arctic tundra. In the North America region, guests can observe animals such as grizzly and black bears, critically endangered American red wolves, and cougars in natural habitats. Zoo guests can also see exotic species, such as lions, giraffes, and elephants in Africa.
Stay tuned for future animal experiences in our new Asia region, which will open in 2026!
Enhance your Zoo visit by attending a scheduled Keeper Chat with our amazing and knowledgeable zookeepers! Catch a “Meet the Keeper” encounter and learn about cougars and alligators in the North American region or chimpanzees and elephants in the African region, just to name a few!
| ANIMAL | WHEN | WHERE |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Varies | Saturdays & Sundays May 1 - Sep. 30 Times posted at habitat | Cypress Swamp |
| ANIMAL | WHEN | WHERE |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Varies | Saturdays & Sundays May 1 - Sep. 30 Times posted at habitat | Cypress Swamp |
| ANIMAL | WHEN | WHERE |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Varies | Saturdays & Sundays May 1 - Sep. 30 Times posted at habitat | Cypress Swamp |
