The North Carolina Zoo is nestled on 2,600 wooded acres centrally located in the heart of North Carolina, just south of Asheboro in Randolph County. With 500 developed acres, it is the world's largest natural habitat zoo and one of two state-supported zoos. The North Carolina Zoo is an agency of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The North Carolina Zoo grew from an idea initiated by the Raleigh Jaycees in 1967. Through a series of fund-raising events, the Randolph county site was selected as it was in the center of the state. The Zoo is 75 miles west of Raleigh, 25 miles south of Greensboro and 75 miles northeast of Charlotte.
In addition to providing encounters with wild animals living in natural settings, the North Carolina Zoo offers down-to-earth, authentic and memorable ways for families to play and stay together. The Zoo also offers a variety of nature-based, educational programs and camps.
Conservation is at the heart of everything that we do. From vultures to gorillas in Africa to endangered plants and amphibians in our own state, the North Carolina Zoo has been involved with the conservation of animals in the wild for over two decades.
Mission Statement
The North Carolina Zoo protects wildlife and wild places and inspires people to join us in conserving the natural world.
For any questions or to schedule a private program at an additional charge, please contact:
Leslie Wilhoit, leslie.wilhoit@nczoo.org