North Carolina Zoo

We recently visited the North Carolina Zoo, and overall it was such a beautiful experience! What I really loved about this zoo is how natural everything feels. It’s not just about animals in enclosures — it truly feels like you’re walking through nature with scenic views, open spaces, and peaceful surroundings. It’s perfect if you enjoy long walks and being outdoors. We went during the winter season, so unfortunately many of the animals were not very active, and some were not out at all. Because of that, I would definitely recommend visiting between April and October when the weather is warmer and you can see more animals awake and moving around. I’m sure the experience would be even better during those months. The zoo is very well maintained, clean, and organized. You can tell they take good care of the environment. The ticket prices are also very reasonable for the size of the zoo and the overall experience. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there’s a lot of walking! Overall, it’s a great place to visit for both children and adults. It’s relaxing, educational, and a nice way to spend a full day outdoors. We really enjoyed our visit and would love to come back again in a warmer season!

We arrived on 1Dec25. So offseason and we had the entire Zoo to ourselves! The Indigo Snake shed its skin at 1:30 pm, right in front of us!!! The chimp brought us nuts!!! We did the booth photo for 8$ and it was great quality over the guy selling pro pics and the beginning of the tour. We also got 10$ lifetime cups so we get 2.50$ refills for life. My gf and I also did the penny press that makes the crushed penny with a zoo logo. We walked the entire park in 3 hours and saw most of the animals in their habitats. The trolly ride to our cars at the end was great after walking so much. 5 miles of walking. Make sure you get there before noon so you can visit everything. Most of the food places and little shops were closed because it’s offseason but if you don’t like a crowd and the park mostly to yourselfs visit Nov-Feb. Also they have a New ASIA park next year so if you can wait until next summer you can see the new park.

Beautiful zoo, well designed in natural setting. I especially enjoyed the exhibits where the animals had lots of room to roam. Good variety of animals and good, varied opportunities for children to engage with and learn about them, as well as play in a spacious outdoor area. Lots of concession areas too although many were closed given the small crowd size and lateness in the day when I visited (midweek afternoon in early November). Be prepared to do a lot of walking and dress appropriately for outdoor conditions. Seated mobility scooters are available for those with mobility limitations.

Wonderful visit at this zoo! It was so nice to see all the beautiful fall tree colors. Many exhibits to see here with different animals from two regions. Many activities from the kid zone and rope course to keep you engaged as you walk in the park. Many food options throughout the park but the food spots was in Africa. Food and drinks are quite expensive but everything else was great!

We had an awesome day at the North Carolina Zoo. The animals were surprisingly active, which made the whole place feel alive. Every habitat had something going on - lions pacing, chimps playing, elephants wandering around like they owned the place. The kids were completely locked in. The Zoo Trekker program was a hit. It basically turned the day into an adventure game, and our kids took it very seriously. They loved collecting the stamps and checking off each area. It kept them engaged the entire time, which any parent knows is worth its weight in gold. The zoo itself is huge, clean, and easy to navigate. Plenty of shade, great viewing areas, and a nice mix of walking trails and spots to relax. Overall, it’s one of the best zoo experiences we’ve had on the road. Strong 5 stars and definitely worth a visit.

Looking for a fun family outing? The NC Zoo is one of the best in the nation providing acres of land for animals to roam, they truly set a precedence in care. Your admittance helps to care for these animals and in efforts of conservation. A trolley runs 10-15 mins for easier access to areas, but there is still a lot of walking so bring a wagon or stroller for children. Bring water. Bathrooms are in various areas. Maps can be accessed via a QR code upon entrance. Bring a camera for all the scenic views.

10000% worth the drive! Huge park, gigantic and beautifully maintained enclosures, and so many activities to do. During off-season, its just $15 and the parking and trolly are included. We spent over 2 hours here and only saw half the zoo! Plan to come back in Summer 2026 to see Africa and Asia (which should hopefully be open by then)

Left the zoo on a sour note. Went on a Sunday. Went as a group of about 15. Bought tickets in person. Some had family annual membership. It is a great deal and I highly recommend especially if you dont live too far away. Lots of walking (got my steps in) but we got to see some a good amount of animals, especially on the African side. A bit quieter on north american side. The tram was easy to use and the shuttle bus at the end was great from one parking lot to another and both handled strollers no problem. Everything was good until the end when we were purchasing our group photo that we took at the entrance. The guy was basically trying to doop us and take our money. He said started with the highest package, said it was their only option i was like are you sure he said yes and i wasn't going to so it the he said well we can do this option...still to high and then he dropped one more time to what photo options I actually wanted. The zoo should be more TRANSPARENT. Display what my options are so I can decide and know what I am paying for, not what an employee decides to tell me. It feels like they are con people trying to take my money. Shoot, the employees probably make commission off of what they say for all I know.

We had THE best time at the zoo at the very beginning of winter!! My boyfriend wanted to check out the zoo for his bday and of course I was down to oblige!! We had never been to the NC Zoo so we were super excited. Us 2 and 3 of our friends piled up in our car and took the one hour road trip to visit the zoo. The drive wasn't bad at all and when we arrived the park was basically empty. It was so cool because it felt like we had the entire zoo to ourselves. I know it was empty because of the time of year, but I highly recommend this time to people who don't like crowds or waiting in lines. Now, the only downside is 3 of the animal exhibits were closed for the winter. So, you may miss out on some cool animals but if you're okay with that I say go for it. There were still plenty of really cool animals to see!!! We had an absolute blast walking through the park and exploring at our own pace. This zoo is pretty nice, with easing walking. They do a good job of filling up space while you walk from exhibit to exhibit. I would definitely go back and I recommend checking them out if you never have!!

Unacceptable level of yellow jackets! Had to speed through the zoo because we were constantly being chased by yellow jackets. Everyone at restaurant courts swatting the yellow jackets. Probably not great for little kids right now. No mitigation seemingly in place, just lots of "be aware signs." When we were holding drinks they were on us in seconds. Other than this the zoo was a pleasant experience, the enclosures are large and lots of fun animals. We loved the red river hog and the river otters. The chimpanzee exhibit was also lovely and there's a small baby too.

What a great zoo! Must, must visit the polar bear when she is swimming - it was amazing and made the entire trip worth the visit! We decided to do the zoo in 2 days and spent about 5 hours in North America and then another 3 hours in Africa. The habitats are huge and great for the animals, but be warned, that means there is a LOT of walking, so wear comfortable shoes! I would plan the whole day if you want to really see everything, but it is totally worth a day with the family! PS. The butterfly garden is a MUST. My girls spent at least an hour in there admiring the various butterflies up close. Some even landed on them!

It's always an amazing time at the NC Zoo!! Great weather made the walk nice and bearable. It wasn't a huge crowd, so seeing the exhibits were easy. Many animals were out and engaging with visitors. The staff are always friendly and helpful.

The best zoo in North Carolina, they have a great North American and African section, with an Asia exhibit section under construction. This Zoo is huge, it's over 1.5 miles to walk from the north American section to the African. I really enjoyed the Bison and Elk exhibit, which is unique in Zoos I have visited, as well as the Giraffe, Bear and Elephant areas, which are top notch. Subtracted one star due to the amount of walking required to get around(they do have a tram, but you have to time it right, otherwise you will be waiting longer than the walk would take).

So fun! We went there for a company picnic and received comped tickets for the day. We enjoyed the animals, snacks and the fun scavenger hunt. We would like to come back again soon, perhaps get an annual membership.

I really my visit to the North Carolina Zoo last Saturday! I enjoyed walking around, and also used the free tram to get around the Zoo a bit. My second ride on the tram, one of the employees on there was very helpful, pointing out different things we passed, including the new Asia area under construction--looking forward to returning for that! I arrived about 10:30 on Saturday morning, and parked in the "Africa" parking lot, which was fine. The wait for an admission ticket was short, just 2-3 minutes. This took me into the Africa area of the Zoo first, but the tram takes you between the sections, if you don't want to walk. Some animals I looked for were out and about, others weren't, but you have to expect that at a zoo. It was a lovely day to be out and about in "nature!" On my way out, a little after 12 Noon, the line to get into the Zoo was really long, maybe football-field-long, and getting longer as I headed to my car. I'd recommend getting there earlier in the morning for a smoother time getting into the Zoo. I look forward to going back!

We had a amazing time. Started off in north America and walked all the way to Africa. It was a beautiful walk . All the animals were outside. By the end we took the tram back to North America and enjoyed the ride back. For $15 it was well worth it .

I have visited this zoo since I was a child and was in complete awe then. Earlier this year I took my niece who has autism to the zoo for the first time. I, as an adult now, forgot how expansive this place really is. We parked at the Africa entrance and ended at the North America entrance. This was the zoo's 50th anniversary and they were doing a special program for kids called the zoo trekker. I made sure my niece got involved. There were so many staff/volunteers set up throughout the zoo with special facts and information booths for a wide range of animals. She particularly enjoyed the area with the different animal hides she could touch and feel their different textures but her favorite was the guy at the vulture booth. This guy was beyond amazing. He took time to come to her alone and explain thing's and even let her hold his plush vulture with the makeshift transmitter on its back. He went above and beyond to make sure she felt special. I will say make sure you wear your most comfortable walking shoes and bring a refillable water bottle. There are long stretches where there's no gift shops or concession areas around. You may pass a cart selling cans of water but be aware they are cash only. One we arrived at our final destination at the North America entrance we waited in line to ride the shuttle bus back to the Africa parking lot. The buses were completely wheelchair accessible. There was not a single place in the zoo where I could not take her in her wheelchair. Keep up the good work NC Zoo and I can't wait for the Asia area to open.

Had a great time visiting the NC Zoo for the first time. I have lived here for 12 years, but have never been. Just a short drive from Greensboro, this is hands down one do the most impressive zoos I've ever been to. The space for each animal is sprawling, and it's a good visit to get your steps in for the day. We visited nearly a whole day and still didn't get to all the exhibits and with another several acres of exhibit space opening next year, Asia, it is going to be even more enormous. This was a great visit for adults and children a like, I'd definitely recommend. I' believe you are able to also leave and come back in the same day, so bring a picnic lunch and take a break mid day. My biggest complaint was the food in the park was absurdly priced. Even a bottle of water was $6! Absolute Robert

We may be number 1 BUT there's a lot of walking to it and not a lot of animals out!... it's definitely an all day event plan accordingly. Parents if you have little ones and are still able to use a stroller I highly recommend it they WILL need it.

The Zoo in Asheboro NC compares to no other in the states. Everyone that works there is so helpful and kind. Every person I asked, even volunteers, knew the answers to my sometimes very loaded questions regarding the animals. The animals here have the largest Natural Habitat exhibits in the world (WooHoo!) and never seem under stimulated. The large habitats make it hard to see some of the more shy animals. We did notice that when we went (Mid July) some of the animals were not out, we assume due to the heat. It is a LOT of walking, and may be a 2 day excursion depending on the time of year and fitness levels of who's attending. If you have littles, bring a stroller or wagon and some snacks/water bottles. We typically bring in a few snacks and leave lunch in a Yeti cooler in the car. They will stamp your hand for re-entry. There is truly so much to see and learn about here. We look forward to the new Asia exhibit coming in 2026!

It's always a great time visiting the NC Zoo. This sprawling campus is one of the largest zoos you'll find, and allows for larger enclosures for many animals, which I hope increases their happiness. Due to that, sometimes it can be hard to spot particularly shy animals, or those with a lot of camouflage, but usually someone will point them out. If not, hey, everyone needs a break and deserves a "I dont want to see anyone day" right? We had an early fall visit, and the temperatures were just right. Most animals were out and about ready for viewing. A few notable exceptions were the polar bear, and male lion. Regardless, we saw plenty to be happy with our day, and definitely got our steps in! As I said, sprawling campus, you will get your exercise. Come prepared with comfortable athletic shoes, water bottles, and plenty of time. There are tram stations that can shuttle you from point to point. For us, it was easy enough to start in North America, walk the full length of the zoo, and catch the tram back. Early in the day, you might have better luck going the other way. There is parking in the Africa side as well. Some parts of the zoo are showing their age, but really, it's very hard to complain about anything here. They are also working on a brand new addition for the Asian continent, making this zoo even more robust and a true picture of the world of zoology. The admission price remains reasonable for anyone, and the nearby town of Asheboro has an increasing amount of places to eat before/after your trip. Highway access is also very easy from anywhere in the state. Don't miss this gem of a zoo!

I've been to the LA zoo a number of times but I think this NC zoo blows it out of the water. Of course it was 45 degrees when I went so some of the top billing animals were staying warm and out of sight, so I need to come back in the spring time. I loved the layout and enclosures. It felt so natural. They go out of their way to make sure animals are treated well and cared for. I definitely appreciated the buses treking us from one end to another. I really enjoyed it and will be back. Only $15 to get in!

How can you not love the zoo! Place is very big so be excited about getting 15,000+ steps in. I strongly recommend packing lunch and etc.!

We were driving from Myrtle beach back home to NY and a friend recommended this zoo. My six year old loves animals so we stopped. First we were overwhelmed because it is so big but we have done the Bronx Zoo multiple times so we figured we would just do as much as we could. We found the zoo deceiving because there was a lot of walking and not a lot of animals. When we went to Africa there were all sorts of closures and detours and we never saw an elephant or a rhinoceros. Most exhibits the animal was inside, hidden, or off display. Even some place named lemur island i thought would have a ton of lemurs but it had two hiding in the back. Overall my son enjoyed it because it is a zoo but I would not go back or recommend. Go a little farther and stop at the Greensboro science center. We stopped on the way down and it is amazing. Zoo, aquarium, and science museum all in one.

On late Friday afternoon, we arrived. There was free and easy parking. The admission charges to the zoo were reasonable. I love viewing animals in their natural habitats, but I'm not a huge fan of zoos. I prefer to see them from a safe distance in their natural environment or when they are free to roam. However this was my children place of choice. Africa has the most interesting animals, in my opinion. I thought it was great to watch polar bears swimming and crocodiles and alligators posing in North America. It was unfortunate that so many animals weren't there when we visited, but maybe it was just because it wasn't the right season? I would highly suggest the North Carolina Zoo--and the African Region in particular--to everyone visiting North Carolina, however I regret that we arrived too late and missed some of the zoo's due to the closing hours.

Great zoo! Finally saw the polar bears! We've been to the Asheboro Zoo a few times now, but this was the first time we saw the polar bear out and about. It was awesome watching them swim and play! Recommend  * Seeing the active polar bears was a highlight. Only con prepare for tons of walking

We had a really enjoyable visit at the zoo! This was my first time at this zoo. Upon entering the zoo premises parking is clearly identified for cars, busses and handicap. As we walked up to the ticket office we were greeted by multiple staff members. One of our friends had a season pass and was able to go into the season pass line, we went through the regular ticket line. Both are easily identified. There are bathrooms located outside the entrance, so you can use before going in. The zoo did not check anyones bags; we noticed a lot of people brought in snacks, sandwiches and drinks for later in the day. This was a really smart move, and I wish we had thought to do that! I will say I think the food inside the zoo is rather expensive. A small dippin dots is $8.50, if you had a family of 5 that would be really expensive really quick! The zoo is easily walkable - there are lots of maps and signs to help you know where you are going. In addition there is a shuttle that will drop you off at different locations. Lots of park areas for kids to stop and play, lots of benches and seating for parents. We really enjoyed our day at the zoo! There is current construction going on - they are building the continent "Africa" - it is expected to be completed in 2026.

Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful... that's the best way to describe the North Carolina Zoo. We did go midweek which may have led to less people being there however it was still peaceful and serene to walk around and enjoy the enclosures without feeling rushed. Although this is the largest zoo in the United States is doesn't have the same busy vibe as the San Diego Zoo. The way the zoo is laid out is more of an adventure. The enclosures are large and you're more than likely to see the animals which is why you come. They were building the Asia portion while we went but that did not at all impose of us seeing any animals. However, the day we went was rather cold (high 30s to low 50s) and some of the African animals were not out, even though they had to ability to be. The bathrooms were clean around the park, the staff were all very friendly. The zoo has a decent amount of amenities for food/beverage. However it appears the healthier option would be the cafe right at the front of the park next to the ticket booths. If I was to make a suggestion I would say having some more unique food and beverage options scattered throughout the park. This zoo has even more potential to be a huge tourist destination. Just $15 to enter... how do you beat that? Great job!

The North Carolina zoo was amazing. The zoo has a lengthy walking trail that allow you to view the animals from all over the world so be prepared to walk hours to enjoy all of the animals, it's captivating. There's a concession stand that serves popcorn, I wouldn't recommend the popcorn but the lemonade icee was awesome. Don't forget to pet and feed some of the animals, it was by far my favorite experience of them all.

With a toddler, the Zoo is a popular destination for fun! We enjoy seeing all the animals, particularly the baboons, cougars, and seals. The puffin area is very cool on hot summer days. There is a really neat playground that is bug themed. Every employee we've interacted with is friendly and helpful. The tram drivers are especially nice--we have our favorites! Shoutout to Mr. JJ and Miss Lora for always taking time to smile. The carousel is a favorite but just note that it's closed from November until April. Boo at the Zoo is a great event that the zoo puts on each year and comes highly recommended.

Really educational, well laid out, and plentiful zoo! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here. I like how, for the most part, the park is divided into North American animals and African animals.. it makes it easy to plan where you want to go. Pretty wide walking paths so there was minimum congestion even on a crowded Saturday. I'd say those walking paths are about 75% shaded with vegetation providing needed breaks from the sunshine. There are water fountains scattered about for those hot days. In comparison with other zoos, I felt this one gave really good views of the animals. They did their best to provide a natural habitat.. so it never felt like I had to peer through cages or anything to see creatures. We spent about 4-5 hours here and saw enough to call it a day. Cons and reason for 4 stars instead of 5: very limited automatic doors for the indoor exhibits which made it really hard to navigate around with a stroller. I can't imagine how someone in a wheelchair would feel. They have a ton of ramps to outdoor exhibits, making it possible to bypass the stairs, but no consideration for indoors. This lead to really crowded and awkward entering/exiting of indoor animals habitats. Secondly, a water bottle, both from a live vendor and vending machine, is $5.50. That is exorbitant and unreasonable. Luckily, I had my own water bottle. At least tell me some of that money goes towards the animal welfare. Lastly, the tram is disorganized at best. There is no signage to indicate wait times. The cues are largely in the sun, and you can't distinguish what trams are going to/from certain places. We waited in line for the tram only to be passed by multiple full trams we couldn't get on. So, we just walked back. All in all, a good visit. I intend to come back in the cooler months!

Not going to lie, we were pretty disappointed. My biggest tip is that if you have a stroller, do not park in North America! You have to take a tram to Africa to see 90% of the animals. You have to break down strollers and have them strapped to the front of the tram (not fun if you have a double stroller or one that doesn't just fold up). Sooooo, just park in the Africa lot if you have a stroller! We didn't get to see many animals, just the elephants, giraffes and gorillas. A lot of the others were not in a place where you could see them. The thing that made me the saddest was there is no security, at all. We probably won't come back.

Super nice zoo and full of animals. This place is huge and we walked the entire thing. It had so many hidden gems that people missed and we found. We arrived on a Thursday and it was brimming with school kids so when we found quiet spots, it was amazing. They had just about every animal on the African & North American continent. We also saw they were building "Asia" so we will be back since my favorite animal is found in Asia.

I only have great reviews for the staff of this organization. We rented an electric scooter and the staff was absolutely fantastic and explained everything that we needed to know. All staff from the check in process to the information staff along the routes to North America and Africa sections of the zoo was so courteous and professional. I highly recommend that you visit this adventurous place for adults and children as well.

Loved everything about this zoo. The ambiance, views, amazing animals, facilities, etc. We used our passes from Florida and got 50% off. Our passes have been a great purchase. The polar bear was my favorite exhibit. The lions were remarkable. Overall, phenomenal zoo. My only suggestion, they should sell craft beer at the zoo. Besides that, we will definitely be back.

It is beautiful. I adore the elephants. Animals are great. Zoos may not be great. But they are not there for us. Support, they need us. . Animals have quirks Animals have big feelings Animals can hide. Zoos show animals To us, because they need help I love animals

Me and my mom always go to the zoo for our mom and son trip so this is where we go and we always have the best time the zoo is it always we go early in the morning and it's not crowded to our lunchtime and then we'll go exploring the zoo. We just love going to the zoo.

The North Carolina Zoo is a more than 5 mile loop if you walk the whole way. The walking path is shady and hilly and pleasant. You can rent a scooter if you are not mobile enough to do the walk. For the last few years, I have used a scooter and it's much less exhausting (I'm not young any more). To make sure you get a scooter if you need one, please come early. They do all get taken on busy days. The trams and buses can handle your scooters. I am not a big fan of the zoo food, so if a nice sit-down meal is part of your plan, you might be disappointed. The zoo food is more a place to rest a minute and get replenished before you move on. The whole point is to see the animals, right? I recommend feeding the giraffes (during the zoo "season" in spring, summer, and fall). The tallest one, Jack, just loves that Romaine lettuce with his long black tongue! And he has has a son, born in 2023! There is a $5 charge to feed the giraffes. Buy tickets at Junction, I think, or at the entrance when you come in. I recommend Zoofari. I have been on it several times. Mainly you see the African hoofstock and the rhinoceroses. Once again, you have to get there early. Zoofari only runs in the mornings, and you have to get separate tickets, which are $25 each person, but to me it is definitely worth it! I love those rhinos, and the zoo personnel who lead the tours are knowledgeable and entertaining! The zoo has two sides. If you are NOT doing Zoofari, which would put you in Africa first, I recommend parking in North America; walking to Junction and looking at the animals along the way, including the bears and North American hoofstock; resting and refreshing a minute in Junction; and then doing the African loop down and back up to Junction. That way you see all the African exhibits. Then you're tired, so ride the tram back from Junction to the North American entrance and your car! There are maps along the way so you can get a visual image of where you're going. If you ARE doing Zoofari, I still recommend parking in the North America parking lot, then riding the tram down to Junction where you'll get your Zoofari tickets, then doing the African loop and feeding the giraffes (feeding only from 10-2 on Thursday-Sunday during zoo season), ending up in Junction for a snack and well-deserved sit-down for a minute. Then walk back through North America to your car, and you have seen the whole zoo. Just my personal thoughts. I am a volunteer, though, but nobody asked me to do this review. I just love the zoo.

I have been to the North Carolina Zoo a couple of times now, and I can honestly say that it is one of the more unusual zoos out there. To begin with, it's almost more like a hike through the woods, as the various exhibits are VERY spread out over a VERY long path that is essentially designed as a long one-way walk with a shuttle to return you back to the beginning. You must be up for some serious walking to explore this zoo. Also, I would strongly advise visiting on a quieter day. One of the drawbacks of this zoo is that many of the exhibits are essentially cul-de-sacs off of the main pathway. As a result, things get quite crowded in and around these exhibits, which is not the most pleasant experience when trying to enjoy the zoo. That aside, however, the NC Zoo can be pretty enjoyable. It feels like a hike as much as a zoo trip, and some of the exhibits are impressively large and visually interesting. Perhaps the breadth of the collection isn't as impressive as some other major zoos, but there is enough quality here to overcome the quantity of species. The African grasslands exhibit is the perfect example of this, as you feel a bit like you're on safari as you scan the several acre enclosure to try to find rhinos, antelope, and other African animals. Oher exhibits similarly create a sense of "discovering what's around the next corner." As someone who has been to almost 100 zoos and aquariums, I can confidently say that this is one of the more fun ones to visit and is definitely worth the drive out to this remote part of North Carolina.

As someone with minor disabilities I found the tram experience with the necessary walking a big drain and I could never quite make it to some exhibits. The trams do not stop at some areas like they used to do. Even though I don't own one, I would consider bringing a motorized wheelchair next time. The tram and walking combination is made for young people with lots of time and energy. Families with young children were complaining that the size and scope of the place does not work for them either.

We had such a great time. The zoo was clean and busy. Tons of animals couldn't be seen or weren't out. We did bring our own snacks as the food prices are high. The zoo is working on an Asian addition which should be very exciting in the near future. All around. Pretty good. Have definitely been back a few times already and foresee myself continuing to support the zoo and watch it grow.

I'm officially a North Carolina Zoo, Zoo Trekker!!! I got my rhino badge! If you're in Asheboro make sure you check this place out! Largest natural habitat zoo in the world!

Was very fun a lot of people were there it took like a hour to complete very stroller friendly

Zoo is beautifully designed with true-to- NC greenery everywhere. The tram system is awful. Absolutely terrible. Standing in line for the tram, surrounded by screaming kids who are baking in the sun, as multiple empty trams leave was so frustrating. Once on the tram, employees are rude and not helpful. The incredibly long lines for terrible food did not help. Viewing areas for animals are mostly very small and cramped. Also no paper maps available anymore and bathrooms are way too small for the amount of guests allowed in.

We went to the NC Zoo as a special treat for my wife's birthday. Beautiful trails and forests and staff was friendly enough. We went May 1, 2024. Gorgeous weather. Everything good except limited animal sightings. One lion, in tall grass sleeping, could only make out the top of its back. Pretty much the same for gorillas. Zero elephants all day ! That was the one my wife was looking forward to the most. Lots of walking for minimal sightings. Staff kept saying: "they are coming out later". Huh ? Hordes of excited field trip second graders disappointed. Felt bad for them. Will not be back nor recommend. Luck of the day. Perhaps. You go to the Zoo to see animals ..... not hope they'll show themselves while your there. 'Could've been better' and should've been better.'

My sister and I love Zoo's so we made a 4 1/2 hour trip to NC Zoo. There are some good points and some not so good points of this Zoo. Let's start with the not so good because I like to leave on a good note. #1-Plexy glass on the animal enclosures are scratched and dirty making it hard to take pictures. #2-Quite a few enclosures Closed. That is always a bit of a disappointment when you make a long trip and part of the Zoo is closed. #3-Having to preorder non refundable tickets in advance was totally stressful. What if it were pouring rain? This is all outdoors. I Hope in the future this preordering tickets changes. It is NOT good. #4-preording tickets you have to choose a time and when you are traveling 4 1/2 hours that can be stressful to get there right on the dot. Now for some good points about this Zoo. #1-The Tram/Train. You get on and it takes you all the way to the end of the zoo to decrease walking. And then you can work your way up to the front of the zoo. This is good. #2-They have water bottle refill stations. This is good because it gets hot. #3The general ticket gets you into the zoo but there are areas you cannot go because it cost extra. So heads up it is an additional fee to do their tree top walk and an extra fee to feed the giraffes. Everything else is open with your tickets. #4-I love how they have photo taking zones. #5-My sister and I both agree that the Aviary walk was our favorite. All the birds looked happy and healthy and the plants in the enclosure were amazing. I wish the whole Zoo was that spectacular and well kept. Then it would be a 5 star Zoo for sure. Final words. I really want to like this Zoo but got now with my experience I will keep it at a 3 star and hope they make improvements .

After visiting again today during the end of the summer season I have decided I won't ever return. The long commute just isn't worth not being able to see any animals at a Zoo. We decided to begin on the Africa side of the park this time and that failed as well. We jumped on the Giraffe Overlook line for an opportunity to pay $5 and have the children feed the giraffes. We can't control nature. The giraffe herd left the overlook area once it was our turn in line and never returned to the area. The manager had to come and refund us our money. Next, we headed over to the air hike area which is $15 for the " excursion ". I don't appreciate the alacarte prices for " activities " just charge $40 admission already ! The Polar Bears were not out, the giraffes ...the bears... you name it. They couldn't be found. We saw the Zebras, an Ostrich, gorillas, birds in the aviary. That was all. You'll pay $15 to sweat in the park and work out for the day. If that's what you like, then that's ok. We dined at Wild Burger today. The food was pretty ok for the money. The lines for food are insanely slow. Hire more staff. The best thing we enjoyed today was Dippin Dots and the Kidz Zone. There was a stream there with water toys for the kids to cool off in after hiking in the hot sun. There were shady areas but not too much in the meal areas. Let the children play in the play area while you brave the hot sun. The system for the tram is insane. The lines like Disney World don't make any sense for this place.

We had been watching the show on TV which gives in depth stories about this zoo so we decided to make it part of our travels. The zoo is off the beaten path, and the $15 price tag is reasonable. Parking was easy on a Wednesday morning and we felt comfortable with the small crowds. The paths are easy to walk and for the most part they are shaded. We don't have little kids, but there are plenty of playgrounds and things for little ones to do other than look at animals. For the most part I really liked the animal enclosures. Most animals had large areas where they could run around. The aviary was beautiful, but more from the standpoint of the plants. You could hear the birds singing, but they were great in hiding. My biggest disappointment was the cougar exhibit. The area was so small and both cougars were pacing the entire time. We spent 4 hours and took our time looking at everything. This is a nice zoo, but with the small numbers of the animals they have, I wouldn't rate it high on my zoo scale. We have been to numerous zoos and this one is just average.

Lovely staff and very helpful. My 4yo loved the animal statues and the activities encountered along the way. Managed to get there on a cloudy day, so it was quite pleasant to walk around the alleys and it was not crowded at all.

Just a wonderfully laid out zoo experience. We did 15,000 steps at the zoo which was almost six miles of walking. It was a gorgeous day but the pathways are beautifully landscaped with trees and vegetation so there was shade. The animals all looked healthy and fed and were quite social. I like that there is a gift shop and some eating places but they are shoved down your throat so that the kids are begging for stuff all day long. Reasonable admission of 15.00 per person. The family all agreed this was more enjoyable than Disney! Some of the favorite animals of the day- Baby red wolves, polar bear, gorilla, elephants, bear, cougar. They do warn you about the indigenous snakes and there was a copperhead that zoo staff were attempting to gather and relocate to a different part of the zoo. The sculptures and beautiful quotes around the zoo were magnificient.

The North Carolina Zoo is trying to implement the COVID protocols. Masks were required for those over 5 and staying on the right hand side but some just didn't wear the masks or stay to the right or follow the markings on the ground. Most people were doing the right thing. Tickets are limited and only so many are allowed in every 30 minutes. The trams have plastic between the rows. The zoo is large so plan on walking a lot. There is currently a North America section and Africa section. The Asia section is being built. I opted to take the tram up near Africa and work my way back down. This turned out to be a good idea as North America is a lot of hill and I preferred the African sections and was tired by the time I got back to North America. The zoo is clean and the animal enclosures are large which is important. The animals may or not be seen as they can take shelter to stay cool. The animals are well cared for here.

Follow these steps to avoid the crowds (as much as possible) on a Saturday: 1. Plan to get there when the zoo opens (9am) 2. Park on the North America side 3. As soon as you enter, head straight to the tram and take it to the Africa side 4. Take your time walking from Africa back to NA This strategy allows you to skip a long wait for the tram at the middle of the day. For three adults, it took us about three hours, so we were done a little after 12pm. You'll definitely notice the crowd pick up around lunch time, but you'll be on the way out, which also means you can eat lunch somewhere else other than the overpriced stalls at the zoo.

The NC Zoo has been an integral part of my childhood, my adulthood, and now my children's lives. I have been visiting this incredible sanctuary of animals since I can remember and I really never tire of it. There are a wide variety of animal habitats, places to dine, kid-friendly areas, and gift shops. So no matter how much you would like to take in, there is an option for you. The staff here keep this place looking really nice and clean, despite all of the foot traffic. Covid made it a little frustrating, but hasn't Covid affected every aspect of life? So I try to just take it in stride. They do a really great job of following protocols to keep people safe. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the NC Zoo, I suggest you take a day and check it out. For those of you that want more, a NC Zoo membership is always an incredible option. You pay it off after 2 visits, depending on which level you choose, and it gets you in over and over again for a years' time. It also gets you into other aquariums and zoos all over the country for free or half price. The Greensboro Science Center, for instance, is half price with a zoo membership. Just something to keep in mind.

Zoinks... I had been a big fan of the North Carolina Zoo when I lived in Greensboro, but this was my first trip back in about 5 years and it was a little bit of a disappointment. I will say, we did go during one of the peak weekends, so part of that was on us, but I do believe that there should be a little more regulation in the amount of people allowed in for safety purposes. Now to take a step back, I do want to talk about the amazing parts of the NC Zoo. The North Carolina Zoo is an agency of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, meaning this is not going to be your Doc Antle or Joe Exotic type of zoo. The animals are cared for and protected and conservation is the most important thing to the NC Zoo. This is something that my family always looks into when we are looking at types of experiences like this. For the planning and best practices aspects: I saw another review said to plan to go when the zoo first opens and this is a MUST when visiting. It allows you to see the park without the giant crowds, however, know that as the day progresses it will get busy. We park on the North American side also and tram to the far end of Africa and walk our way back. We do this because, just like another review said, you do not have to wait in those long tram lines. Also just be sure to wear comfy shoes and clothes. This is not one of those times where you want to be Instagram ready... comfort is really key. We always bring snacks with us because the prices are high. This is not unusual though for a park like this. Sadly, the major con for us this trip was the large crowd. And I do not mean a normal Saturday large crowd but packed in like sardines. There were times where you could not maneuver and honestly were stuck in place. I felt like this was a HUGE hazard and issue if something were to happen. Personally I feel there should be some sort of cap and if there is one, it may need to be smaller. Even just the areas walking in between stretches where there were no animals, were lined with people and packed. They also had a lot of the animals that I feel are big attractions closed off for refurbishments (not counting the birds that were closed because of the bird flu, which I completely understand). I would 100% return, but would go not during peak season, and when I am sure the majority of the animals are there to view.

I have been to this zoo for several years. And I am just disappointed on the availability of these animals. I tried to put up a few photos from my most recent trip, but the app is acting up. The animals are far away, and I have to use binoculars to see some of them. Certain area like the bears and wolves offer very little space to see the far away animal...that's provided they are even there (Mr. Giraffe).

Located about 30 miles south of Greensboro NC, the zoo's isolated from much of civilization. The setting is beautiful and much time, effort and money has gone into making the experience as fun as it can be. Having watched virtually all episodes of the tv show, I was excited to visit the zoo. In some respects the zoo did not quite live up to my expectations. It was a bit smaller than I expected in regard to the number and variety of animals. Also, one of the first exhibits we saw was home to two cougars and it was very disappointing. The area of the exhibit was extremely small for such large cats. However, many of the exhibits were very nice. The elephant exhibit stands out in this regard. The aviary was very nice as well. There are several areas designed for children that are especially nice. There is a trolley that transfers guests from one end of the zoo to the other, which is helpful since everything is quite spread out. Although my experience fell somewhat short of my expectations, I do appreciate the fact that such a wonderful zoo exists in a sparsely populated area.

On our way home from Greensboro we decided to take a detour and visit the zoo. The forecast that day, said showers ending early, so we thought it would be a good day to go as we anticipated less people. The entrance to the zoo and the countryside surrounding it was lovely. It gave us hope for the rest of our visit. Upon arrival we were surprised to see plenty of people, mostly families with children both exiting in droves and entering. I wasn't in the mood for navigating the park with a plan, so we just kind of followed the signs and the flow of people. Since the animals live in habitats similar to their natural environments, the distances for each exhibit reflected that. The walkways were hilly so this could be a strain for folks pushing strollers or wheelchairs. The zoo has done a great job in creating wide open spaces for the animals and integrating interesting details like rock formations, landscaping, and water features. Most of the pathways are within the forested areas (which would be welcomed by any summer visitors feeling the heat). The Zoo had staff peppered throughout the exhibits to answer questions or just to provide information on what the visitors were viewing. There were plenty of informational plaques and interactive sights. As we strolled, we saw towering giraffes, massive elephants, sturdy striped zebras, and delicate gazelles. We did not sample any food or enter any shops as we were pressed for time. In the end, Mother Nature was the deciding factor for our plans, as unexpected heavy rain moved in and even though we had rain gear on, we decided to call it a day. We would definitely return if we are ever in the area again as there was so much more to see and there were plans in place for further expansion.