Known for its arts and culture, being a pioneer in aviation and beautiful state parks with massive mountains in the southern eastern region of the U.S. is a state of North Carolina. Do you want to know about a famous zoo in North Carolina? Then you have to the right place.
1. Introduction to the State of North Caroline
North Carolina is the 28th largest and ninth most populous state in the country. Snow comes regularly in North Carolina so you’ll see the white blanket everywhere, it is considered one of the safest states in the country with a very low crime rate. Well, something more that makes the state more popular as it is the home of the NBA player Michael Jordan.
Being one of the most popular states in the country, North Carolina still offers a very low cost of living which is 5% less than the average cost of living so that way it is not at all expensive for the citizens.
The state people are some of the sweetest and most welcoming people you’ll ever meet in your life, not just people even animals here. The state is home to 11 Zoos located across the state. Well, we all know nothing can be more therapeutic than a trip to a zoo with your family.
Choosing which zoo to visit can be a lot of hard work. So, to reduce this hard work I’ll suggest the best five zoos in North Carolina for your comfortable visit to the zoo.
2. Introduction to Zoo
But by the way what exactly are zoos?
In simple words, zoos are enclosed areas or cages inside which animals are kept for human attraction. But let us hear from the internet what is the proper definition of a zoo, “an establishment which maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or gardens, for study, conservation, or display to the public”. Usually, the Zoo spaces are very large and animals are way farther than humans to avoid any mishappening in the zoo.
Zoos are very popular among kids as they get to see the animals who are in their storybooks. Toddlers love Zoo as they not only get to encounter the animals in real life but also understand who are wildebeest we shall be scared of and who are the loveable petting animals that way it’s a learning lesson too.
2.1 Famous Zoo in North Caroline
I hope after reading this article you’ll find your ideal zoo which is more convenient and comfortable for you,
2.1.1 North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro
The Zoo in Asheboro is home to 1800 animals and 250 species and is a destination where nature and its entities are celebrated. The North Carolina Zoo is the largest habitat zoo in the world which is spread over 500 acres of developed land. The zoo more focuses on representing the faunas of North America and Africa including the Arctic foxes and sea lions.
The zoo operates throughout the year except for the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays and hosts about a million visitors every year. The Zoo also presents some of the kind attraction exhibits for visitors. Not just for observing animals you’ll also get to do some activities in the zoo like the Air Hike Rope course for an obstacle course and the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck for engaging eye-to-eye with giraffes.
Details
- Timing- April- Oct 9 am to 5 pm (last entry till 4 pm).
- Timing – Nov – March 9 am to 4 pm (last entry till 3 pm)
- Two entry gates- One starts with the North America section other one starts with the Africa section.
- Ticket Cost – under 2 are free, age group 2-12 $11, age group 13- 61 $15, and above 61 $13.
2.1.2 Duke Lemur Centre in Durham
Located inside Duke University is the 85 acres spread across a sanctuary in Durham, the Duke Lemur Centre which has been operated since 1966. It is a facility that studies cares and protects the most endangered mammal on earth “The Lemur”. The sanctuary is home to 200 animals across 14 species and is the largest sanctuary for strepsirrhine primates in the world.
A visit to this place will introduce you to the most diverse population of lemurs other than their native Madagascar. The lemurs that can be spotted here are crown lemur, fat-tailed dwarf lemur, aye-aye lemur, black and white ruffed lemur, blue-eyed black lemur, etc.
Trust me after seeing this many varieties of lemurs you’ll be stunted. To have a close and personal experience make sure to pre-book the tours online as due to the big crowds and considering the health of the endangered lemur the walk-in visitors aren’t welcome for the tour.
If this many diverse varieties of lemurs shake your mind and you want to help them be safe then be a part of the center’s Adopt a Lemur program and support the care and conservation of these animals.
Details
- Timing – 9 am to 4 pm. ( closed during rainy and snowy days).
- Enter via the main gate.
- Ticket Cost – under 2 are free, age group 2-12 $12, age group 13- 64 $14, and above 64 $12.
2.1.3 Greensboro Science Centre in Greensboro
Well, do you know if we combine a science museum, an aquarium, and a zoological park what will it be called to your surprise it will be called the Greensboro Science Centre located in the city of Greensboro. The Greensboro Centre is a must-visit place as you get to experience three different places in one place.
This multi-facilitated organization is home to a range of animal species and exciting adventure opportunities. Like for example in the aquarium section, you are allowed to experience the behind-the-scenes and discover a world-class underwater adventure.
Simultaneously, in the Zoo section visitors are allowed to get a close-up view of tortoises, tailed porcupines, okapi, flamingoes, and other animals. So this way you can do everything from feeding the seahorses to observing sharks from close. This place is worth the visit and don’t forget the Omnisphere snow and Penguin encounters.
Well if you are done with experiencing the zoo and aquarium do visit their Museum section. They include going through Prehistoric passages and labs. The centre operates throughout the year so visit whenever you are in the city.
Details:
- Timing- 9 am to 5 pm
- It has one main gate entry and you get three gates for the three sections.
- Ticket Cost – under 2 are free, age group 2-13 $17.50, age group 14- 64 $19.50, and above 64 $18.50.
2.1.4 Aloha Safri Zoo in Cameron
The Aloha Safari Zoo in the city of Cameron acts as a sanctuary for 400 mistreated, injured, rescued, and unwanted animals, the zoo focuses on providing a safer, more comfortable, and more loving home environment to these animals. The place is home to animals including tigers, white peacocks, Ostriches, Zebras, Camels, and many more. They also operate safari tours for the visitors to better explore the southern section of the zoo.
These include a knowledgeable tour guide who is well aware of the place and will help visitors learn more about animals, their lives, behavior, and how and from where they have been rescued. They even have some attractive spots like the reptiles room will introduce you to some of the exotic reptiles, Giraffe house, and goat and pig field are the exciting spots of the zoo that you must check out.
The animals are rescued from bad environments so make sure to be cautious and loving towards them and listen to your tour guide attentively.
Details:
- Timing- Mon-Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.
- It has one entry gate and parking is free.
- Ticket Cost – under 2 are free, age group 2-13 $12, age group 14- 64 $15, and above 64 $14.
2.1.5 Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck
If you are someone who is an enthusiast about avians you should probably miss this park as the Sylvan Height Bird Park unlike other zoos, isn’t a home range of animals but a broader spectrum of birds from all over the world.
Located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park in Scotland’s neck is home to more than 2000 birds from 200 different species from South America, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. The bird park is spread over 18 acres of land full of greenery.
The park has tranquil gardens and lush natural areas which allow the birds to live in a natural habitat life. You can meet a few avians here as well like the parrots, flamingos, cranes, waterfowl, and many more. The facility operates different educational programs that educate visitors about waterfowl, wetlands, and environmental science.
Details:
- Timing– During summer and spring 9 am to 5 pm. During the fall season 9 am to 4 pm.(closed every Monday in each season).
- It has one entry gate.
- Ticket Cost – under 2 are free, age group 2-13 $15, age group 14- 64 $20, and above 64 $18. The cost is lower if booked for a group of more than 7 people.
These are the five must-visit zoos of North Carolina. Each of them has their own specialty and rare species. They not only give a personal experience to animals but you also get to do some fun activities like rope course, reptiles room, etc. All this fun is good but be alert during the safari and try not to make noise as animals can get irritated and attack your vehicle.
Try to learn more about the animals and their lifestyle so you will also have an educational and valuable lesson learned while having so much fun. In bird sanctuary don’t try to hold the birds with necks as this might hurt the bird and you may get kicked out of the place. Just remember these little points and you are good to visit your favorite zoo among the popular ones.
My one piece of advice to you is if you are in North Carolina for a long time then do visit five of them you’ll know something new and unique in each of them.
3. Question & Answers
Q) What is the definition of Zoo?
A) A zoo can be defined as an establishment that maintains a collection of wild animals, typically in a park or garden, for study, conservation, or display to the public.
Q) When was the first zoo opened?
A)The first modern zoo, built in 1793, opened in Paris, France.
Q) Why did they name a zoo?
A) The term zoological garden refers to zoology, the study of animals. The term is derived from the Greek ζώον, zoon, ‘animal’, and the suffix -λογία, -logia, ‘study of’.
Q) When was the first zoo opened in India?
A) The history of Chennai Zoo (formerly known as Madras Zoo) dates back to the year 1855.
Q) How many zoos are there in North Carolina?
A) North Carolina is home to 11 zoos located across the state.
Q) which is the largest zoo in North Carolina?
A) The largest zoo is the North Carolina Zoo located in Asheboro called the North Carolina zoo which is not only in U.s but in the world’s largest zoo habitat center.
Q) What is the weather like in North Carolina?
A) The weather in the state is usually cold as it is located in the southern-east region. It snows there regularly.
Q) What is a lemur?
A) Lemur is an arboreal primate with a pointed snout and typically a long tail, found only in Madagascar. They are the earth’s most endangered mammal.
Q) How old is North Caroline Zoo?
A) The North Caroline Zoo was opened in the year 1974 so it is now 49 years old( 2023).
Q) Is it easy living in North Carolina?
A) Well, it’s not that easy as it snows there a lot so you always have to shove driveways, and maintain heaters and blankets, it is really hard for the homeless to survive there.
Q) Is the crime rate high in North Carolina?
A) No, the crime rate is very low in North Carolina of the reasons could be the high altitudes.
Q) Does North Carolina Zoo provide an educational program?
A) Yes, many states’ zoo provides different kinds of educational program.
Q) How to avoid crowds in zoos?
A) To avoid crowds visit weekdays afternoon as it is less crowded at that time.
Last Updated on by somya909
