Open Today: 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
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A field of Purple Coneflower plants in full bloom. The flowers have vibrant purple petals radiating from a prominent, spiky, reddish-brown central cone. The foreground shows several individual flowers in sharp focus, while the background is a soft blur of more purple coneflowers and green foliage.
Botanical Splendor

Gardens at the Zoo

Conserving Biological Diversity

Growing Wild Places

The North Carolina Zoo’s impressive plant collection is focused on providing a representation of an animal’s native habitat for the education of its visitors and the well-being of its animals. The horticulture staff creates these living pictures of wild places using southeastern native and exotic plants so guests might have more respect for animals, care about them, and transfer their care into action in conserving biological diversity.

View Plants
A tall, cylindrical Saguaro cactus with ribbed sides, covered with pointy spines. Behind it is a tall rock wall, next to a square mesh fence and more, smaller cactuses in a rocky, desert environment.
A close-up of a colorful exotic butterfly resting on a stem full of slender leaves and small, cylindrical buds mixed between them..
North Carolina Zoo Earns Botanical Garden Accreditation

The North Carolina Zoo is now accredited as a botanical garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International.

A low-angle shot captures a section of a zoo exhibit. In the foreground, a bed of yellow and white flowers borders a dark asphalt path. Behind them is a long, horizontal mural depicts what appears to be various animals in a rustic, almost weathered style. Above and behind the sign, a structure resembling ancient ruins with multiple stone columns is visible. The background is filled with a thick canopy of green trees.

Helping Monarch Butterflies Head South

Monarch butterflies must migrate every winter. But they also need fuel. The closest thing to a fast-food restaurant for them is a “Pollination Station.” 

A woman wearing sunglasses and a green t-shirt holds a young girl with blonde hair in a ponytail. Both are looking upwards and seem to be observing something. They are surrounded by lush green and colorful plants, with hanging baskets visible in the background, suggesting they are in a garden or greenhouse.
Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden

As part of our wide range of outdoor recreation activities, the Zoo offers a dazzling walk-through habitat with butterflies. Our butterfly garden features dozens of native and exotic butterfly species. Available from May to September (weather dependent).