Asheboro, N.C. — 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. The North Carolina Zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The new North Carolina Zoo app was made possible through the generous support of a $1 million grant from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation. The app actively advances the Zoo’s mission to inspire a lifelong curiosity about wildlife and nature conservation. A live, in-app map provides real-time wayfinding to improve guest navigation while also supporting the Zoo’s sustainability goals and paperless operations.
For maximum convenience, guests are encouraged to download the app before visiting by searching for “North Carolina Zoo” in their preferred app store. Whether used for planning a trip or exploring from home, the app offers something for everyone to enjoy.
“The nation's best zoo is now more accessible than ever thanks to educational videos that allow users to experience virtual tours and explore habitats from wherever they are,” says Diane Villa, deputy director and chief communications officer for the North Carolina Zoo. “There are augmented reality games that introduce students and families to careers in animal care and science, and all grade-appropriate K-12 learning activities are aligned with North Carolina’s Standard Course of Study.”
Audio descriptions and other accessibility features are also available to assist guests who are blind or have low vision.
“This app is a major step forward in making the Zoo more accessible, educational, and interactive for all guests,” Villa adds. “We're especially proud to offer it in both English and Spanish, which extends our wildlife education initiatives to a broader audience and enhances support for our state’s Spanish-speaking communities.”
For more information on the North Carolina Zoo app, visit www.nczoo.org.
