Before relocating to North Carolina, our family frequently visited the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Its compact layout allowed us to explore the entire zoo in just a few hours. We often discussed planning a trip to the North Carolina Zoo, but it remained a distant idea—until this year.
One of the aspects I cherish about my profession is the flexibility it offers to be present at my son’s school events. While I haven’t volunteered as much as I’d like, especially with my youngest not yet in school, I seize every opportunity to join field trips (especially when my youngest son can join).
The day of our zoo field trip dawned with ominous forecasts of rain and thunderstorms. I packed ponchos, bracing for the worst. Thankfully, the storms held off until our journey home, and the weather during our visit was ideal.
The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, is a sprawling sanctuary. It’s the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, encompassing over 2,800 acres, with 500 acres developed for exhibits. My poor GPS accidentally took me to the backend of the property, so make sure to pay attention to the signs on the highway to help direct you.
We spent hours immersed in the African region, yet only scratched the surface of what the zoo offers. In fact, we spent all of our time there. The Watani Grasslands Reserve, a 47-acre expanse, is home to African elephants, rhinos, gazelles, and more, designed to mimic the vast savannas of Africa.
A highlight for me was watching my youngest son’s excitement upon seeing elephants, giraffes, and lions. His joy was infectious, reminding me of my own childhood visit to the zoo. My sole memory from that trip is riding down the hills in a wagon with my dad—a simple yet cherished moment.
Looking ahead, the zoo is set to unveil its new Asia exhibit in 2026. This 10-acre addition will feature species like tigers, Komodo dragons, and white-cheeked gibbons. Visitors can look forward to unique experiences, such as an overhead tiger walk and a 300-seat indoor café overlooking the tiger habitat.
Here’s a few quick tips on visiting:
- Arrive early – Getting there when the zoo opens gives you cooler weather, fewer crowds, and more active animals.
- Buy tickets online – Skip the ticket line and head straight to the entrance for a smoother start.
- Check the weather – North Carolina weather can change quickly, so plan your outfit and gear accordingly.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes – The zoo covers over 500 acres, so expect lots of walking on varied terrain.
- Bring a refillable water bottle – Hydration stations are available, and staying hydrated is key, especially in summer.
- Use the free tram or bus – The North America and Africa sections are far apart, and the tram saves time and energy.
- Start at one end – Begin at either the North America or Africa entrance and work your way through in one direction. It’s okay if you don’t make it through the entire zoo on your visit!
- Pack light snacks – While full meals aren’t allowed inside, snacks are great for keeping energy up between exhibits. There are lots of picnic areas outside to enjoy.
- Use sun protection – Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses will help you stay comfortable during long walks in sunny areas.
- Bring a stroller or wagon for kids – Young children may tire quickly, and a stroller makes for an easier day.
- Download the zoo app – It helps you find bathrooms, dining spots, and your favorite animals easily. The zoo recently announced that they will no longer produce paper maps.
- Visit popular exhibits early – Animals like gorillas, lions, and polar bears are more active and less crowded in the morning.
- Don’t skip the indoor exhibits – The aviary and desert dome offer unique experiences and a break from the heat or rain.
- Check for animal encounters – Daily keeper talks or feeding times offer fun, educational moments for all ages.
- Take a break at Junction Plaza – It’s the zoo’s central hub with food, shade, restrooms, and tram access.
Given the zoo’s vastness and upcoming expansions, I foresee our future visits evolving into multi-day adventures. It’s heartening to witness my children forming their own special memories here, just as I did years ago.
