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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

A person with dark skin and a shaved head stands smiling in a sunny, lush green garden. They are wearing a bright yellow t-shirt and a tan skirt. To their left, large, leafy green plants are growing in rows in some light-colored sacks that have been repurposed for gardening. Tall trees and various green plants fill the background, suggesting a tropical environment.

North Carolina Zoo Awarded Top Honors for International Conservation Program UNITE for the Environment

Raleigh, N.C. - Sept. 30, 2022 -  The prestigious William G. Conway Award recognizes exceptional efforts toward habitat preservation, species restoration, and support of biodiversity in the wild on a global level.
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A close-up view of a large, muddy Rhinoceros standing in a field near a wire fence and wooden fence post. Its primary horn is long and sharp, while the secondary horn is much shorter but just as sharp.

North Carolina Zoo Loses Rhino Olivia, One of Its Most Elderly Residents

Asheboro, N.C. – Sept. 16, 2022  The female rhino lived at the Zoo for more than 30 years and served as a Great Auntie figure to the younger rhinos
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Staring right into the majestic face of a Tiger, with its piercing green eyes and distinctive orange fur with black stripes. There are tufts of white fur around its jowls and ears and it is standing in a lush, tropical forest.

North Carolina Zoo Breaks Ground on Asia Expansion

Asheboro, N.C. -  August 17, 2022 - The North Carolina Zoo held an official groundbreaking for its 10-acre Asia Expansion. Expected opening date is 2026. 
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African lion

North Carolina Zoo announces death of 'fiercely devoted' elderly lion Reilly

Asheboro, N.C. – August 3, 2022  The North Carolina Zoo sadly announces the death of Reilly, a 23-year-old African lion, the oldest male lion in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institution.  
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Top 10 Guests with elephant

North Carolina Zoo Announces Record-Breaking Attendance of 1 Million Visitors

Asheboro, N.C. - July 22, 2022 - The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce it broke its all-time attendance record by welcoming 1 million visitors in the 2021-2022 fiscal year ending June 30.
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A group of four people, possibly a family, consisting of a man, a woman, and two small girls, walks along a dirt path in a wooded area. The girls are running ahead of the adults and appear to be laughing. The adults are walking behind them and may be smiling. The individuals are wearing casual clothing, including jeans and sweaters.

Take a Hike! National Trails Day at North Carolina Zoo - June 4, 2022

Asheboro, N.C. – June 1, 2022  North Carolina Zoo Celebrates National Trails Day with Ribbon-Cutting of Completed Purgatory Trail Network
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A curious chimpanzee named Nori gazes directly at the camera with an open mouth, framed against a lush green, sunny backdrop of her natural habitat.

North Carolina Zoo Mourning Death of Chimp Nori

The quirky and full of sass chimp  captured hears and had many challenges through her short life  Asheboro, N.C. — May 04, 2022 - The North Carolina Zoo sadly announces the death of Nori, an 11-year-old member of the chimpanzee troop who was euthanized on Monday after a period of declining health.
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