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North Carolina Zoo Named 3rd Best Nationwide

Author Melanie Day

Have you visited the North Carolina Zoo lately? Zoo’s do a lot of important work for conservation of animals. According to the National Geographic Society that while yes zoo’s do have a purpose for entertainment as well as education of the public, today zoo’s also place a high priority “on scientific research and species conservation”.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the top rated zoos nationwide in a variety of cities. But you don’t have to travel to experience one of the best. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is one of the best. And it recently added another accolade to its resume.

This time it comes from USA Today and the publication’s Readers Choice 10 Best Awards. The nominees in the awards, which encompass a variety of categories, are submitted by a panel of experts. From there the USA Today 10best editors narrow the field to select the final nominees that are voted on by USA Today readers.

RELATED: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge In North Carolina Is Among The Nation’s 10 Best

And the results are in! In the voting The North Carolina Zoo came in as the 3rd best zoo in the country.

Top 3 Zoo’s Nationwide

    1.  Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska
    2. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – Cincinnati, Ohio
    3.  North Carolina Zoo – Asheboro, North Carolina

The North Carolina Zoo

Unlike most zoo’s the North Carolina Zoo isn’t in one of the state’s largest cities. Instead it’s in the center of the state to allow access to more visitors from all areas of North Carolina. The North Carolina Zoo prides itself on being the “world’s largest natural habitat zoo” and is home to more than 1,700 animals. It features sections for both Africa and North America, with a new Asia expansion coming in 2026!

Some of the highlights in North America include polar bears, red wolves (these animals are critically endangered), grizzly bears, and black bears. In Africa you’ll find favorites such as elephants, giraffes, lions, baboons, zebras, and more. Tigers, white-cheeked gibbons, Komodo dragons, and Chinese alligators are among the planned residents of the Asia expansion’s habitats.

Other activities at the zoo include the ever popular (and pictured above) Zoofari, a carousel, VIP experiences, hiking trails, a ropes course, and more. With so many additional activities to choose from and animals always providing a new experience the North Carolina Zoo is something you and your family can enjoy again and again.

Read the full USA Today 10Best article here.

Learn more about visiting the North Carolina Zoo here.

Best Places in North Carolina to Explore Different Animals

Are you looking to have some fun with animals? Well, I have been contemplating fun things to do and for some reason, a petting zoo has been on my mind. It’s probably because I recently went to Disney World and Animal Kingdom was my absolute favorite place. From The Lion King being my favorite movie to the Safari Tour at Animal Kingdom, I have been thinking about animals like crazy. But, there is no Animal Kingdom here in Charlotte for me to enjoy, right? So, I have to think of somewhere else.

Of course, I decided to take matters into my own hands. That means I am looking into petting zoos, zoos, and all types of animal parks in the state. Why not have some animal-friendly fun? Let’s enjoy some time with the animals and see what you can do here in North Carolina. Can’t wait!

  • Lazy 5 Ranch

    Lazy 5 Ranch is a drive through ranch experience. Whether you are sitting in your car or riding on the back of a wagon, you can ride through the ranch to check out some great animals. Not only will you sight see, but you can also feed them along the way. The ranch is open 7 days a week and has tons of animals like cattle, deer, goats, antelope, and other exotic animals. Doesn’t that sound fun?

  • North Carolina Zoo

    Of course, we’re naming a pretty big one – the obvious, the North Carolina Zoo. The state zoo is located in Asheboro, NC and your chance to see tons of different animals. Explore different animals and plants throughout the zoo during your time there. You can see up close and personal, lions, elephants, river otter, giraffes, zebras, and more! Sounds like a place I need to go for sure.

  • Carolina Tiger Rescue

    Want to visit a tiger rescue? Personally, I have never thought of it but it looks pretty cool to me! So, head to the Carolina Tiger Rescue and check out some wild cats. The rescue is your chance to learn more about and see tigers that have found sanctuary at this rescue spot.

  • Carolina Raptor Center

    Are you a fan of birds? Well, this might be the perfect spot for you. The Carolina Raptor Center is for the  exploration and rehabilitation of birds of prey. Visit and walk a trail to explore the different species that are in house. There are more than 30 birds of prey for you to see up close and personal. Cool, right?

Melanie Day is a graduate of North Carolina State University. She has worked for Beasley since 2012 in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles in both digital and promotions. Melanie writes about a diverse range of topics some of her favorites include travel, restaurants, Taylor Swift, and college athletics. When not at work you'll find her at a country concert or NC State sporting event.

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