The North Carolina Zoo is marking 50 years of giving families a way to celebrate nature.
Located in Asheboro, North Carolina, the zoo offers a wide variety of family-friendly adventures and activities appropriate for kids and adults of all ages.
“As the world’s largest natural habitat zoo with over 2,800 acres and 1,700 animals in our care, we provide an unparalleled opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature,” Patricia Simmons, CEO and director of the North Carolina Zoo, says, “whether traveling alone or making memories with family and friends.”
Simmons grew up on a trout hatchery, where she said her passion for the outdoors and wildlife began. While in college, she visited her first zoo and was immediately hooked. She worked at the Akron Zoo in Ohio from 1985 to 2014, then found her way to the North Carolina Zoo — a move she explains came with a steep learning curve.
“I recognized that the North Carolina Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world, and admired their expert animal care, educational programming and global conservation work,” she said. “The move meant going from leading a 50-acre zoo to a zoo with over 500 developed acres … Luckily, the North Carolina Zoo is part of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which allowed me to work collaboratively with other parks, museums, aquariums, historic sites, and arts organizations, to name a few. As part of that incredible partnership, we communicate regularly about shared plans for enriching the lives of North Carolinians and visitors from around the world.”
The collaborative work led to a surge in visitors, with the zoo anticipating reaching 30 million visitors in 2024. While they are excited for all guests, Simmons says the military community holds a special place for the team.
“We recognize the many important roles our courageous military personnel undertake and deeply appreciate their many sacrifices for our country,” she explained.
Military ID holders receive a discounted rate of $13; guests aged 2-11 are $11; and under 2-years-old are free.
Guests can upgrade their experience by paying a little extra for a behind-the-scenes tour, animal encounter, ride-and-guide tour or a Zoofari Tour. The zoo also offers an overnight campout experience.
“The North Carolina Zoo is a hub for education, wildlife conservation, and research, and our staff members are passionate about preserving life,” she said. “Each animal in our care also serves as an ambassador for their wild counterparts, supporting the zoo’s mission and conservation work.”
Nestled in one of the oldest and wildest mountain ranges in America, the zoo’s location offers visitors an opportunity to see so much of North Carolina’s famed beauty in one visit. And, Simmons adds, the animals in the zoo’s care are treated like family.
“I strongly believe the more freedom and choices we can provide for animals, the better their welfare and quality of life. Animals at the North Carolina Zoo have freedom of choice, meaning they can choose their level of participation each day. They are allowed and encouraged to cooperate in their own healthcare, choose whether to approach guests (or not), and may (or may not) express interest in training with keepers,” Simmons explained. “They are never forced to perform for guests or engage in enrichment activities; this makes it even more special when an animal decides to approach guests for photos or other interaction.”
Animal enthusiasts are also encouraged to get to know all of the zoo’s habitants through their social media platforms and educational programming.
“Zoos are invaluable resources for humans to learn from and about wildlife of all kinds. Unfortunately, many natural habitats and species are facing destruction or extinction, but AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are working together to raise awareness to help save both wildlife and their homes in the wild,” Simmons said.
Visit the North Carolina Zoo’s website to plan a visit for your military family.
