Zoos In North Carolina

Zoos In North Carolina

North Carolina is home to a wide range of zoos and wildlife parks, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world's most fascinating creatures. The state's premier attraction, the North Carolina Zoo, is one of the largest and most impressive zoos in the country, boasting more than 1,600 animals across 500 acres of scenic parkland. Other popular zoos in the state include the Greensboro Science Center, featuring an aquarium, museum, and zoo all in one, and the Western North Carolina Nature Center, which specializes in wildlife native to the Appalachian region.


For those seeking more exotic animals, the Carolina Tiger Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates big cats, while the Aloha Safari Zoo offers visitors the chance to see rare and endangered species from around the world. Meanwhile, Zootastic Park is a family-owned zoo that features a range of animals, from zebras and giraffes to camels and kangaroos.


Many of North Carolina's zoos are dedicated to education and conservation, with a focus on promoting wildlife preservation and protecting endangered species. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or simply looking for a fun family outing, North Carolina's zoos offer a unique and engaging experience for all ages.

The North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro, North Carolina, and is one of the largest zoos in the world. It houses over 1,800 animals representing 250 species from North America and Africa. The zoo features several habitats and exhibits, including a Forest Glade, a Prairie exhibit, a Desert exhibit, and an African Plains exhibit. Visitors can also take part in several behind-the-scenes tours, including a giraffe feeding experience and a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo's animal hospital. The North Carolina Zoo is committed to conservation and works to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The Greensboro Science Center

The Greensboro Science Center is a science museum and zoo located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It is home to over 250 animal species, including sharks, otters, lemurs, and red pandas. The zoo features several exhibits, including the Wiseman Aquarium, a dinosaur exhibit, and a zoo train. Visitors can also take part in several interactive exhibits, including a ropes course and a zip line. The Greensboro Science Center is dedicated to promoting science education and conservation and features several programs and events throughout the year to help visitors learn about the natural world.

Aloha Safari Zoo

Aloha Safari Zoo is a family-owned zoo located in Cameron, North Carolina. The zoo houses over 400 animals, including several exotic and endangered species from around the world, such as lions, tigers, and lemurs. The zoo offers visitors a chance to get up close and personal with many of the animals, including feeding and petting opportunities. Aloha Safari Zoo is dedicated to animal conservation and offers educational programs and tours to help visitors learn about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats. It is a unique and exciting experience for animal lovers of all ages.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is a bird sanctuary located in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. It is home to over 2,000 birds representing 200 species from around the world, making it one of the largest bird parks in the United States. Visitors can explore the park's lush gardens and scenic waterways as they view a variety of birds in their natural habitats. The park also offers interactive exhibits, including a touch tank and a walk-through aviary. Sylvan Heights Bird Park is dedicated to bird conservation and offers educational programs and events to help visitors learn about the importance of preserving bird species and their habitats.

The Duke Lemur Center

The Duke Lemur Center is a research and conservation center located in Durham, North Carolina. It is home to the largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar, including 10 species and over 200 individual animals. The center offers tours to the public, where visitors can learn about the lemurs and their natural habitats, as well as the center's research and conservation efforts. The Duke Lemur Center is dedicated to the preservation of lemurs and their habitats and conducts extensive research to help inform and guide conservation efforts for these endangered primates.

The Western North Carolina Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a wildlife park located in Asheville, North Carolina. The center offers a variety of animal exhibits and educational programs, showcasing the native species of the Southern Appalachian region. Visitors can see animals such as black bears, red wolves, river otters, and cougars, and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is dedicated to providing a home for injured and orphaned wildlife, as well as educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and preserving natural habitats.

Zootastic Park

Zootastic Park is a privately-owned zoo located in Troutman, North Carolina. The park is home to over 60 species of animals from around the world, including tigers, zebras, giraffes, and kangaroos. Visitors can take guided tours, feed animals, and interact with some of the animals in designated areas. The park also offers a petting zoo, pony rides, and a playground for children. Zootastic Park is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors while also promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Lazy 5 Ranch

Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive-through animal park located in Mooresville, North Carolina. The ranch is home to over 750 animals from around the world, including zebras, giraffes, bison, and ostriches. Visitors can drive their own vehicles or take a guided wagon tour through the park to view and feed the animals. The ranch also features a petting zoo, playground, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Lazy 5 Ranch is committed to providing a safe and educational experience for visitors while promoting animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Carolina Tiger Rescue

Carolina Tiger Rescue, located in Pittsboro, North Carolina, is a nonprofit wildlife sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and protecting wildcats in need. The sanctuary provides a permanent home for tigers, lions, leopards, and other wildcats that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. Carolina Tiger Rescue is also involved in conservation efforts to protect wildcats in their natural habitats. Visitors can take guided tours of the sanctuary to learn about the animals and their stories. The sanctuary is committed to providing a safe and humane environment for the animals while educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.

FAQs

Which is the best zoo in North Carolina?

North Carolina has several great zoos, but the North Carolina Zoo is widely regarded as the best zoo in the state. Located in Asheboro, NC, the North Carolina Zoo is one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world, with over 2,000 animals and 500 acres of exhibits.

Which are the largest zoos in North Carolina?

There are several zoos and animal parks in North Carolina, but the two largest and most well-known are the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro and the Western North Carolina Nature Center in Asheville. In addition to these two major zoos, there are also several smaller animal parks and petting zoos throughout the state, such as the Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville and the Greensboro Science Center.

What is North Carolina Zoo famous for?

The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, is famous for being one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. The zoo spans over 2,000 acres and features more than 1,800 animals from over 225 species. One of the unique aspects of the North Carolina Zoo is its focus on creating natural habitats for the animals, rather than using traditional enclosures.

What is special about Lazy 5 Ranch?

Lazy 5 Ranch is a unique animal park located in Mooresville, North Carolina, that is known for its drive-thru safari experience. Visitors can drive their own vehicles through the park and see a variety of exotic animals up close, including giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, camels, and many more.

What is the operational timings of North Carolina Zoo?

The North Carolina Zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during the spring and fall seasons. In the summer season, the zoo has extended hours on select days and is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on most days. During the winter season, the zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that operating hours are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

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