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Press Releases
Asia Opening Date Announced
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) will open the North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia expansion on March 1, 2027. The new continent will be the Zoo’s first major development in more than 30 years.
North Carolina Zoo Celebrates One Million Hours of Volunteer Support
Volunteers at the North Carolina Zoo recently surpassed 1 million hours of service.
North Carolina Zoo Council Meeting
The North Carolina Zoo Council will meet in person on Wednesday, May 13, beginning at 10 a.m.
Dr. Mark Penning Named Director of North Carolina Zoo
Dr. Mark Penning will begin as Director of the North Carolina Zoo this August.
North Carolina Zoo Mourns Death of Oldest African Bull Elephant in the U.S.
The North Carolina Zoo is mourning the death of 51-year-old C’sar, the Zoo’s longest-tenured resident and the oldest African bull elephant in the United States.
North Carolina Zoo to Host Indigenous Powwow
The North Carolina Zoo and Botanical Gardens will host an American Indian Powwow at its Solar Pointe picnic area this weekend.
Villa Named Interim Director of North Carolina Zoo
Diane Villa is named the North Carolina Zoo's Interim Director.
North Carolina Zoo Grieves Giraffe Leia
The North Carolina Zoo is grieving the loss of Leia, a 15-year-old giraffe, who has been a beloved part of the Zoo family since 2010. Leia passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.