ASHEBORO, N.C. — 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. The North Carolina Zoo is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
As the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, the Zoo spans over 2,800 acres in the heart of North Carolina and provides care for over 1,700 animals. The Zoo received accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1984 and is one of only two state-supported zoos in the nation.
Newsweek's Top 10 Best Zoos
1. North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro , N.C.
2. San Antonio Zoo, San Antonio, Texas
3. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Denver, Colo.
4, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Tacoma, Wash.
5. Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, S.C.
6. San Diego Zoo, San Diego, Calif.
7. Rolling Hills Zoo, Salina, Kan.
8. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colo.
9. Houston Zoo | Houston, Texas
10. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Neb.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as the nation’s ‘Best Zoo’ two years running, and we are humbled to represent North Carolina in this nationwide poll,” says Director and CEO Patricia Simmons. “We hope this contest helps raise awareness about our memorable guest experiences, family-friendly educational activities and the critical wildlife conservation work we are doing locally and globally.”
To plan your next adventure to the “Best Zoo” in the country, visit www.nczoo.org.
