• Limted Tram service available at this time

    Tram Services in Africa and Parking Lot Shuttles are not operating at this time.  Open-air trams at half capacity will be running from 10am until the park closes from Junction Plaza back to the North America entrance (one-way only). Zoo staff will not be loading any large strollers, wagons or Zoo rental strollers onto the trams, but you are welcome to bring a small stroller that folds and fits in the seat with you.

  • Attractions Temporarily Closed

    All seasonal attractions, playgrounds and Kidzone are temporarily closed at this time.

  • Indoor Habitats Closed

    Indoor habitats – Seabirds, Polar Bear Underwater Viewing, Aviary, Streamside and Desert are currently closed due to Covid-19.

  • Rhinos Off Habitat

    The Rhinos are off habitat for Zoofari construction.

  • Baboon Habitat Renovations

    The baboon habitat is getting a facelift! It's time to say "goodbye" to the Pavilion and "hello" to some great new features for these amazing animals. While we make these improvements, our baboons will be off habitat until construction is complete.

The North Carolina Zoo is open to the public

We are excited to welcome you back to the Zoo! We have some new procedures in place to help ensure the safety of staff and guests. The biggest change will be advance purchase of timed tickets for entry into the Zoo. Walk-up entry to the Zoo is not available at this time; everyone must pre-arrange their visit, including Zoo members or those holding previously purchased tickets. The Zoo will open with limited capacity per day. Learn more about the Zoo’s safety and health measures

Getting to the Park

Located seven miles south of Asheboro in the heart of North Carolina and open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, the Zoo is easily drivable from many areas of the state.

Address & Directions

The North Carolina Zoo
4401 Zoo Pkwy
Asheboro, NC
27205

Driving Directions
From Charlotte:

Approx. 105 mins

From Greensboro / Winston-Salem:

Approx. 45 mins

From Raleigh/Durham

Approx. 90 mins

Questions

Have questions about your upcoming visit?

Online:

Online inquiries

Phone: 

1.800.488.0444

Tickets

During this time, the Zoo requires all guests to purchase a timed-entry ticket. We are not able to accommodate refunds or exchanges for weather or animal visibility. We are unable to offer group sales, discounts, reciprocal membership from other zoos and aquariums or accept any coupons. We appreciate your understanding.

The Zoo offers general admission tickets for adults $15 (13-61), seniors $13 (62+) and children $11 (2-12). Children under the age of 2 are free but must also have a ticket/reservation for entry.

Parking & Zoo Entrances

Park in the North America Entrance for access to the entire park during this time. (Africa parking lot is closed).

View Covid Park Map for reference.

Getting Around the Zoo

Just a reminder… this is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. With roughly 5 miles of walking trails to navigate, make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a refillable water bottle.

Tram Services in Africa and Parking Lot shuttles are not operating at this time.  The Zoo is currently providing limited complimentary tram service from 10 a.m. to park closing. Open air tram service is available from Junction Plaza back to North America Tram stop (one-way only). Zoo staff will not be loading any large strollers, wagons or Zoo rental strollers onto the trams, but you are welcome to bring a small stroller that folds and fits in the seat with you.  You may also leave a Zoo rental stroller at Junction Plaza after you have finished your tour, then take the Zoo transport back to North America. We will be seating guests on every other row on the trams and only seating members of the same party together when loading. Tram seats will be sanitized in between trips. Guests that require the assistance of a wheelchair or ECV (electric convenience vehicle) will be accommodated.

Golf Cart Tours of the Zoo and Behind the Scenes Experiences are available by reservation only.  

Download a Covid Zoo Map
Accessibility Needs
Service Animals
Infant Care
Stroller and Wheelchair Rental Information
Park Transportation

Notice of Photography and Filming

On occasion the Zoo or production companies authorized by the Zoo will photograph or video Zoo guests for the Zoo’s educational or promotional use or for use in programming about the Zoo. Guest entry into the Zoo grants the Zoo and authorized production companies permission to use these images for these uses throughout the world in all media in perpetuity.