How Old Were You When You Found Out North Carolina Zoo Is The World’s Largest Zoo?

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How old were you when you found out North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina is the world’s largest zoo? I was today old. Haha! Okay, it was a few weeks ago but still – I had no idea! I knew we had an amazing zoo in Asheboro but I never knew how much the NCZoo we’ve come to love is actually the world’s largest zoo!

The North Carolina Zoo

A few weeks back I received an invitation for my entire family to visit The NCZoo. We would have a personal tour given by someone from the zoo’s marketing team. I’ve been to the NCZoo before and really didn’t think I would see much more than I’ve already walked through as a chaperone for my kid’s school field trips – I was so wrong!

We took our tour on a chilly November morning hitting the road to the zoo around 830am. Our ride in from Fayetteville was so pretty with all the amazing fall leaves and trees along the route. The entire trip took about 90 minutes which if you’re southern is actually considered a short ride 😀 I know what you’re thinking: the zoo in November? Keep reading because you’ll soon find out at the North Carolina Zoo you can find fun no matter what the season.

Did You Know?

The NCZOO is over 500 acres and has over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America.

We parked at the North America entrance where we met our guide for the day, Debbie. The first stop on our tour was to grab a few cups of hot chocolate to take the chill off. We stopped at the Iron Hen Cafe this satellite location at the North American entrance of the zoo offers a really great menu for everything from breakfast to lunch giving visitors the perfect start to their day. I definitely suggest if you’re ever in Greensboro be sure to check out the main restaurant.

Once we were warmed up a bit we started our golf cart tour of the zoo. Debbie gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how the zoo works and how each day the zookeepers and employees strive to make sure the animals are taken care of in the best ways possible.

From keeping the animals inside when it may be a bit too chilly to making sure the co-habitant animals get along by placing their food in different places the NCZoo staff work diligently to make sure every animal in their care is happy and healthy.

Did You Know?

The NCZoo is open 364 days a year! That’s right you can visit the world’s largest zoo every day of the year except Christmas.

AFRICA

We started our tour in Africa. It was so fun getting a look at parts of the zoo I have never seen. The animals were out and about playing, eating and relaxing in the sun. My entire family was amazed by how close the animals were. It was awesome to see the baby elephants, rhinos and right in front of us.

Debbie took us throughout Africa and with each stop, I realized there were so many different areas, animals, attractions and fun places I’d never even known existed within the NC Zoo!

We had the chance to watch as the Giraffes played what looked like a game of peek-a-boo hiding behind the trees as if we could see their amazingly tall bodies standing there. I was fascinated by how each giraffe looks different. One had a pattern of brown squares and another seemed to have a darker almost black pattern. It was beautiful.

Can You Spot The Giraffe?

Next up on our tour was the chance to see the Gorillas getting fed. I had no idea Gorillas are mainly vegetarian. They eat a lot of fresh greens and fruits but sometimes eat ants or termites – they actually love termite larvae! to feed the Gorillas the zookeeper opens the door to their habitat so she can place the food without any risk to herself. Once placed the Gorillas re-enter and dig in!

Did You Know?

You can see the NCZoo feeding times both online and throughout the zoo to see the feeding times of some of your favorite animals?

After the Gorillas were fed we had the chance to hear more about the Gorillas from their keeper. We learned that a group of Gorillas is called a Troop. In a Gorilla Troop, you can only have one mature male or Silverback. The only way to have more than one mature male in a Troop is to make it a Bachelor Troop – no females.

This was where our time with Debbie ended. During our tour, I explored and learn things about the NCZoo I’d never expected. I was so excited to set off on our own and learn even more but first – food.

Junction Plaza

Junction Plaza is a short tweak from the edge of Africa. You can find any and everything you want there from pizza and burgers to ice cream and gift shops. You can even take a ride on the Carousel!

After taking a look around we decided to go for burgers at Junction Springs Cafe. The kiddies were able to get their favorite lunchtime pick – chicken fingers as a meal with applesauce and animal crackers (of course). While we went for classic cheeseburgers with fries. We even filled up with the NCZoo reusable cups which you can refill throughout your visit for only .99.

Once we were refueled and ready to continue our zoo adventures we decided to stop and check out the 4D movie playing now through December 23rd – Polar Express. This 4D experience takes you into the movie with a 15-minute blast to your sense. 4D includes your sight, sound touch, and feel! It was so fun and both I and my kiddies loved it.

Throughout the year NC Zoo has several different Seasonal Attractions you can enjoy from 4D movie experiences to the Zoofari where you can get your own up-close time with some of the zoos must-see animals.

SEASONAL ATTRACTIONS

Acacia Station Giraffe Deck

Carousel

4-D Theater

Dragonfly Paddle Boats

Air Hike Ropes Course

Zoofari (Open Thursday – Sunday ONLY)

NEW! Birds in Flight Show

North America

Lizards, fish, and bears – Oh My! North America has some of the animals we’ve all come to look for during a day at the zoo. Yet I was continually amazed by how large each animal’s habitat actually was.

Did You Know?

The NCZoo is preparing to reveal a Brand New region!

Asia is schedule to open in 2023 Asia will include animals like tigers, red pandas, and Komodo dragons!

By the time we made it to the borders of North America, I realized I’d rediscovered the zoo I thought I already knew. Our day at the world’s largest zoo was one we will never forget. Oh, but it will not be our last visit. We still have plenty more to explore, learn and discover!

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The NCZoo has two regions and many habitats to explore: Africa and North America. Here are just a few things we checked off our Explore List during our day at the world’s largest zoo!

Did You Know?

The NCZoo has over 5 miles of hiking trails open to the public! Trails are open all year long at no charge from 6:30 am – 7 pm.

North America:

Prairie ✔

Honey Bee Garden ✔

Grizzly Bear ✔

Streamside

Cypress Swamp

Marsh

Rocky Coast ✔

Red Wolf ✔

Black Bear ✔

Africa:

Baboons

Forest Glade

Lemur Island

Kitera Forest ✔

Zebra, Ostrich & Giraffe ✔

Red River Hogs

Watani Grasslands

African Lion ✔

As you can see I still have a lot left to explore! Oh! Now t ev shared, let me ask again . . .