News | North Carolina Zoo

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Press Releases

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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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.

Cancelled - North Carolina Zoo Council Meeting August 17, 2022

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A regal African Lion lounging in the grass next to a large natural rock wall.

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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A older man and woman stand posing together leaning on a wooden handrail and looking back at the viewer. Behind them is a large savanna habitat with two African Elephants standing next to a small pond and several large boulders. White text in the top left corner reads "Bringing Summer Back."

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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North Carolina Zoo Council Meeting May 11, 2022

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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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A small, vibrant green parrot with a bright red throat patch is perched atop a large, bright red, cone-shaped flower. The parrot is looking down at the flower. The background is a dark, lush green, suggesting a tropical environment.

North Carolina Zoo Announces the Permanent Closure of its Aviary Habitat

Asheboro, N.C. – April 21, 2022 - North Carolina Zoo Announces the Permanent Closure of its Aviary Habitat

Built in the early 1980s, the 40-year-old domed structure requires significant repairs due to the effects of high humidity and wet conditions.

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