Walk from Africa to the Arctic in an Afternoon at the North Carolina Zoo!

Located in the heart of the gorgeous, ancient Uwharrie Mountain Range near Asheboro, North Carolina, the NC Zoo sits on 500 developed acres of historic Purgatory Mountain and features 1100 animals and more than 61,000 plants.

Hailed as the "finest natural habitat zoo in America," the park welcomes visitors 364 days a year and features special events in every season. 

While viewing each exhibit, visitors are greeted by rock formations, hidden moats, plantings, fallen trees or invisible boundaries, each carefully crafted to resemble the animals’ wild surroundings.

A caring and dedicated staff, outstanding amenities (including on-site catering and group packages), inventive artwork, and animals representing North America and Africa combine in a lush natural setting to make this world-class zoo a place of enjoyment, wonder and discovery throughout the park and in outreach programs. Visitors leave understanding the Zoo’s work to protect and conserve wild things and wild places.

The North Carolina Zoo invites YOU to engage in an adventure as BIG as all outdoors.