With plants like the red lycoris, the North Carolina Zoo recently was accredited as a botanical garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International. (Photo Courtesy of the North Carolina Zoo)

ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — As the North Carolina Zoo celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s further adding to a year already full of milestones by earning formal recognition as a botanical garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

The accreditation from BGCI, an international organization supporting botanic gardens in over 100 countries, sets the zoo apart as one of only a select group of U.S. zoos accredited for excellence in plant conservation and horticultural care. Being awarded the title confirms that the North Carolina Zoo “conforms to the highest international standards” in its approach to plant care and conservation. The recognition also reflects the zoo’s longstanding commitment to preserving both animal and plant biodiversity, according to Patricia Simmons, zoo director and CEO.

Simmons noted that the goal of achieving botanical garden status had been part of the zoo’s vision for many years. “Our dual role as a zoo and botanical garden emphasizes our dedication to conservation, education, and responsible environmental stewardship,” she said. “This acknowledgment caps off a significant year for us, and we’re thrilled to see our efforts recognized.”

The zoo’s 2,600 acres of native landscapes and cultivated gardens have grown over the years under the stewardship of a specialized horticulture team. Their work, often unseen, has created a landscape that enhances the visitor experience while nurturing critical plant species. “Our horticulture team’s commitment has enriched our landscapes for visitors and staff alike,” zoo representative Sara Pack said. “Their work in preserving and showcasing North Carolina’s natural beauty has been vital to the zoo’s mission and success.”

As one of the few zoos in the country with botanical garden accreditation, the North Carolina Zoo joins an exclusive community working to protect global plant diversity. The recognition, Simmons added, underscores the zoo’s dual purpose in conserving wildlife and flora, making it a unique center for conservation in the region and beyond.

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