North Carolina Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo, formerly the North Carolina Zoological Park, is a zoo in Asheboro, North Carolina, housing 1,700 animals of more than 250 species, primarily representing Africa and North America. It is one of two state-supported zoos in the United States, with the other being the Minnesota Zoo. With 500 acres (2.0 km2) developed, it is the world's largest natural habitat zoo. The North Carolina Zoo is a part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The Zoo is 75 miles (121 km) west of Raleigh, 25 miles (40 km) south of Greensboro, and 75 miles (121 km) northeast of Charlotte. It is within an hour's drive of the three major metropolitan areas along the I-85 Corridor. state's The zoo is open 363 days a year (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas) and in 2023 received over one million visitors for the first time. The North Carolina Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.