ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — For the first time in 10 years, the North Carolina Zoo is raising ticket prices and introducing a new pricing structure, set to take effect July 14.
The Zoo announced the changes Friday on social media, citing rising expenses for animal care, habitat maintenance and staffing. “The updated pricing helps ensure that the Zoo can meet rising operational costs while remaining one of the most affordable, family-friendly destinations in the heart of North Carolina,” siad Deputy Director Diane Villa in the post.
In an email, Zoo officials said the change was also prompted by leadership at the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NC DNCR), the agency that oversees the zoo. The goal, they said, is to bring pricing and admission policies (such as which ages qualify for free entry) more in line with other state-run attractions.
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The Zoo’s last admission increase was in 2015, when adult tickets rose from $12 to $15. A scheduled price review in 2020 was postponed due to the pandemic. Although an increase was requested and approved in 2023–24, its implementation was delayed indefinitely, with no clear timeline from Zoo officials —until this week’s announcement.
Beginning July 14, the Zoo will move to a seasonal pricing model. Adult admission at the gate will rise to $20 during the peak season, which runs through November 15. From November 16 to March 14, when the Zoo operates on reduced hours, admission will drop to $16.
Guests can save $2 by purchasing tickets online in advance, lowering adult prices to $18 during peak season and $14 during the off-season.
Children under age 3 will continue to receive free admission year-round. Discounted rates remain available for groups of 15 or more, seniors, military personnel, and North Carolina EBT cardholders.
New with this change is a discount for college students, who can receive reduced admission by presenting a valid student ID from any local or national institution. The discount is currently available only for in-person ticket purchases.
Prices for additional attractions such as the Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden, Acacia Station Giraffe Deck, Treehouse Trek, Air Hike, Zoofari and the carousel will remain unchanged.
The N.C. Zoo Society said membership prices were increased in March 2024 in anticipation of the gate fee change, and no further membership increases are planned at this time.
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