Animal Experiences at the Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural animal habitat zoo in the world. Journey along shaded trails to discover more than 1,700 animals in habitats ranging from African grasslands to Arctic tundra. In the North American region, visitors can observe animals such as the Grizzly Bear, the Red Wolf, and the Black Bear in their natural habitats.

Zoo visitors can also observe other exotic species such as lions, giraffes, and elephants in the African region. Additionally, the Zoo also has a walk-through aviary where guests can encounter more than 100 exotic birds. Zoo visitors should stay tuned for future animal experiences in our new Asia region, scheduled to open in a few years.

Welcome Spring! Enjoy one of the Zoo's seasonal attractions, open from Spring through Fall. From thrilling Zoofari rides to magnificent butterfly gardens, these family-friendly activities will delight guests of all ages. Most seasonal attractions are scheduled to open on April 1, 2023. Additional fees apply. 

The North Carolina Zoo’s large animal art collection magnifies nature: its beauty and complexity. The Zoo features over 50 art pieces that range from wall art, to animal sculptures and paintings that emulate nature’s diversity. Our animal art collection is spread across the entire zoo. Have fun identifying the pieces while enjoying a zoo tour.

Select from many unique behind-the-scenes tours of our animal habitats with the North Carolina Zoo Society! Choose a tour of up to 4 hours where you can have close animal encounters with species from all over the world. Discover a wide range of animal habitats with our zoo tours. Furthermore, you can even partake in an exclusive animal experience through our VIP tours where you can get up close and personal with some of our most popular animals.

Make plans to attend a scheduled animal feeding and talk with our amazing zookeepers! At the North Carolina Zoo, visitors can observe a range of activities, from feeding to training sessions. Some of the animals you can watch during our “Meet the Keeper” encounters include the Harbor Seals in the North American region and Chimpanzees in the African region.

The North Carolina Zoo hosts events from April to December that are designed to be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Animal experiences never stop at the Zoo so make sure you stay tuned to our events calendar to never miss an event. We have seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas activities. Bring your friends and family to enjoy the events at the Zoo year-long.