The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro exhibits more than 1,100 animals from 250 species. These native African and North American species live in natural habitats scattered through 500 acres of Piedmont woodlands.

Zoo Hours

Open 364 days a year, the Zoo closes only on Christmas day and during severe weather. 

Hours of Operation

April 1 - October 31 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
November 1 - March 31 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

During the winter months, visitors need to enter both continental regions through the North American ticket booths. The African exhibits are open, but the African ticket booths are closed.

The Zoo stops selling tickets 1 hour before the Park closes. Staff takes some of the African animals off exhibit an hour before the rest of the Park closes. Consequently, we recommend that guests visit the Zoo's African region before they visit North America.

If you have questions about the Zoo that are not answered here, please visit the N.C. Zoo's Website at http://www.nczoo.org/index.cfm or send us an e-mail.

Planning a meeting, retreat or event for about 45 people?

If you need a well-equipped, comfortable conference space, check out the facilities the Zoo Society offers at the new Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Learning Center. The new center has sleeping quarters as well.

Got Questions?

About the Zoo Society - check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.

About the Zoo - its hours, stroller and wheelchair rentals, birthday parties, etc. Then visit the N.C. Zoo's Web page at http://www.nczoo.org.

No Pets at the Zoo

The Zoo follows strict quarantine protocols to protect its animals from exposure to potential diseases. A new collection animal must remain in quarantine, under observation by our veterinary staff, for a minimum of 30 days before we introduce it to an exhibit. Because pets can also carry diseases, we cannot risk allowing them into the Zoo.  We respectfully ask that you do not bring your dog, cat or other pet into the Park.

School Group Registration

Visit the N.C. Zoo's Web site to register a school group.

Wheelchairs

The Zoo maintains a small stable of wheelchairs that visitors can rent. The manually-operated wheelchairs rent for $6 a day, the electric wheechairs rent for $25 day.  To rent a wheelchair, please speak to someone working in the Safari Gift Shop (just inside the African entrance) or the Explorer's Gift Shop (just inside the North American entrance).

The Zoo does not reserve wheelchairs. Instead, the Zoo makes wheelchairs available on a first come, first served basis. The best way to secure a wheelchair, is to arrive early and rent one right away.

Strollers

The Zoo rents them. Click here for information on renting strollers.

Admission Rates for Non-Society Members (N.C. Society members pay no admission charge.)

Adults: $10
Senior Citizens 62 and older: $8
College Students (with valid student ID): $8
Children 2-12: $6

Zoo Society Memberships

Individuals and families can join the N.C. Zoo Society to receive free admission to the N.C. Zoo and free or discounted admission to more than 100 zoos across America. Learn more

Got other questions?  Call the Zoo's information line at: 1-800-488-0444 or click here to visit the N.C. Zoo's Website or send us an e-mail by filling out the contact form at this link

Last modified 06/19/2009 10:20am.