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News

The North Carolina Zoo values its relationships with media outlets.  If you are a reporter and would like to arrange an interview, get more information or be added to the media list to receive media alerts and press releases, please contact Media@nczoo.org or 800.488.0444.

Press Releases

The entrance sign for the North Carolina Zoo is visible, featuring a large, curved sign with "North Carolina Zoo" written across it. Above the text, silhouettes of various animals (including an elephant, giraffe, and bears) are depicted against a yellow sunrise. The sign is set into a grassy mound surrounded by tall reeds and trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Villa Named Interim Director of North Carolina Zoo

Diane Villa is named the North Carolina Zoo's Interim Director.
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Leia giraffe extends her long next to eat leaves from a lush tree branch.

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.
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A collection of mixed plants, flowering with vibrant colors that attract pollinators

North Carolina Zoo Mourns the Passing of Director Pat Simmons

The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources announces the passing of Pat Simmons, Director & CEO of the North Carolina Zoo, on July 14, 2025.
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A hand holding a phone showing the home screen of the North Carolina Zoo app. The elephant habitat is in the background with two elephants, green trees, and a blue sunny sky.

North Carolina Zoo Launches Free Bilingual App to Enhance Guest Experience

The North Carolina Zoo is launching a new mobile app, now available for free download on both Apple and Android devices. Designed to support guests of all ages and abilities, the app is available in English and Spanish, offering an engaging, inclusive way to experience the world’s largest natural habitat zoo.
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Watani

North Carolina Zoo Named 'Best Zoo' in the Nation for a Second Year in a Row

The North Carolina Zoo (Zoo) in Asheboro has officially been named America’s “Best Zoo” according to Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. The Zoo preserved its spot on the leaderboard after previously claiming the top spot in the nationwide contest in 2024.
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A close-up of a colorful exotic butterfly for Butterfly Garden.

North Carolina Zoo Earns Botanical Garden Accreditation

The North Carolina Zoo is now accredited as a botanical garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
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The entrance sign for the North Carolina Zoo is visible, featuring a large, curved sign with "North Carolina Zoo" written across it. Above the text, silhouettes of various animals (including an elephant, giraffe, and bears) are depicted against a yellow sunrise. The sign is set into a grassy mound surrounded by tall reeds and trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.

North Carolina Zoo Welcomes Survivors of Hurricane Helene

Residents from counties in the direct path of Hurricane Helene can receive discounted entry to the North Carolina Zoo through Dec. 24.
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Baby Winnie baboon sits crouched between her parents Candy and Babu as her father (Babu) gazes down at her.

Baby Baboon Joins Band at North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo recently welcomed a new Hamadryas baboon, Winnie, on June 16.
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C'sar Elephant stands in his sprawling habitat among his scattered 50th Birthday party enrichment items, including the numbers 5 and 0, juicy watermelons and pineapples, a "cake" substitute made of a variety of frozen fruits, and a large ball painted festively for the occasion and filled with treats.

North Carolina Zoo Celebrates 50 WILD Years with C’sar Elephant

C’sar, the North Carolina Zoo's original elephant, recently celebrated his 50th birthday.
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