Located about 75 miles west of Raleigh in Asheboro, N.C. Zoo is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s finest zoos. It was the first American zoo designed from its inception around the "natural habitat" philosophy--presenting animals and plants in exhibits that closely resemble the habitats in which they would be found in the wild.
Among the most popular exhibits are those that display polar bears, sea lions, river otters, alligators, elephants, gorillas, baboons, rhinoceros, giraffes, and zebras. The 37-acre African Plains exhibit alone is as large a many entire zoos.
The 11-acre Prairie exhibit in the North American region showcases the zoo’s collection of bison and elk. The Sonora Desert, an indoor recreation of the famous desert of the American Southwest, is alive with roadrunners, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, tarantulas and many more fascinating denizens of that hot, dry climate.This was the nation’s first state-supported zoo and remains one of only two state zoos, the other located in Minnesota.
The N.C. Zoo is also the nation’s largest walk-through natural-habitat zoo. Its African and North American exhibit regions span more than 500 acres with more than five miles of walkways. Another 900 acres are available for future development on this scenic site in the Uwharrie Mountains, considered by geologists to be one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges.
Hours
The Park is open until 5:00 p.m., but when planning your day, please keep in mind that most of the African animals, such as gorillas, chimpanzees, giraffes and elephants go into their night quarters at 4:00 p.m. and cannot be seen after that time.
Guest are advised to visit Africa before mid-afternoon, especially if you arrive after 12 noon in order to view all animals.
The Zoo is open 364 days a year. The Zoo is closed Christmas day and during severe weather.
During most of the year guests have the option to enter or exit through either admission gate located at North America and Africa continents.
During the winter or for special events, access to the zoo may be limited to one of our admission gates.
The entire Zoo can be seen by entering either admission gate.
Admission
Adults $10.00
Senior Citizens 62 and + $8.00
College Students $8.00
(with valid student ID)
Children 2-12 $6.00
Visit there site here. www.nczoo.org
Western North Carolina Nature Center,
Asheville, NC.
The Nature Society, now known as the Friends of the WNC Nature Center was formed in March 1975, and together with Center staff developed the Nature Centers mission: To educate the public to the natural history and ecology of the Southern Appalachians. The Friends serve as a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the Nature Center. With a "hands on" Nature Lab and Educational Farm with petting area, children are invited to touch a corn snake, hold a turtle, or feel angora, pre-sheared.
All of our animals have been injured or are imprinted on people and cannot be returned to the wild. The new habitats are examples of future care, gone are the days of cages and bars. As time passed the Center gradually became a sanctuary for the animals who had been "pets" (like the cougars, bobcats and raccoons) or raised from a program to save a species for reintroduction (such as the red wolves).
Many of the Nature Center staff are recognized as regional specialists and serve as consultants to zoos and other wildlife habitats. The staff has done a superb job in helping to make the Western North Carolina Nature Centers one of the best of its kind in the country.
HOURS
10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Seven Days A Week, Admission till 4:30
ADMISSION
Adults - Asheville City Residents - $5, Other - $7
Seniors - Asheville City Residents - $4, Other - $6 (65&over)
Youth - $3 (3-15)
2 and younger free.
(No individual under 16 years of age is allowed on the grounds without an accompanying adult)
CLOSED:
Thanksgiving & day after
December 24, 25, 26
New Year's Day
Martin L. King Day
Visit there site here. www.wildwnc.org
