
ASHEBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina Zoo has been named “Best Zoo” in the United States, securing the top spot in the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards.
Nominees for the contest were selected by a panel of travel writers and tourism experts, with the final rankings determined by Newsweek editors. The award follows a public voting period from July 3-31, 2024 and results were announced on Aug. 8, with the North Carolina Zoo claiming first place.
This is the second time in six months the zoo has earned a top-10 national honor, coinciding with its 50th-anniversary celebrations earlier this month.
“It is humbling to be recognized as ‘Best Zoo’ during our golden anniversary year,” said Patricia Simmons, North Carolina Zoo director and CEO. “We set out 50 years ago to create a zoo unlike any other, and this award honors the hard work of our Zoo Team members, community partners, donors, and guests who make the North Carolina Zoo a special place.”
Located in Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. Visitors can learn more about its mission to save wildlife and wild places at www.nczoo.org.
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