ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo is capitalizing on its 50th anniversary year with record-breaking attendance and accelerated construction on its Asia expansion, officials announced.
The Zoo welcomed its 1 millionth guest last year, and April 2024 set a single-month attendance record with 192,000 visitors. The facility is approaching 30 million all-time visitors.
The Zoo has launched its seasonal summer operations, extending hours through October. The Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden opened May 1, featuring dozens of butterfly species in a walk-through habitat with tropical plants and colorful flowers. The Acacia Station Giraffe Deck, where visitors can feed giraffes, opened April 1. Both attractions operate through Oct. 31, weather permitting.
Canine Champions for Conservation, a high-energy show featuring shelter rescue dogs, returned for a second year. The free show runs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sundays and Tuesday through Friday beginning Memorial Day weekend.
New Animals Arriving
A 2-year-old female ostrich recently arrived at the Zoo and is being introduced to zebras and giraffes in her future habitat. Officials said the introduction process can take considerable time and have not yet announced a public debut date.
At the Desert Dome, Von der Decken hornbills Jake and Zuri recently became parents. Zuri is currently sealed inside a hollow tree, where she is believed to be tending to several chicks. Animal care staff are monitoring the pair and report positive signs.
During a Zoo council meeting May 8, officials confirmed that penguins will arrive at the facility in the future. Plans call for moving the last remaining seal from the Rocky Coast habitat before beginning extensive renovations. No timeline has been announced.
Asia Expansion Nears Completion
Major construction on the Asia expansion is more than 80% complete and expected to finish by October, with a target opening date in June 2026.
Zoo staff have begun horticultural work in the Asia exhibit and are actively acquiring animals. A Komodo dragon currently housed in a temporary Desert Dome habitat will move to Asia, which will feature an underwater viewing area — a feature rare among zoos.
Gibbons are already at the Zoo, with tigers expected to arrive soon as the main attraction for Asia.
The Zoo has begun hiring some of the more than 100 staff needed for the expansion. The additional budget needed — $2.2 million beyond the initial $74.5 million — will be funded through state dollars, according to officials.
###
