As a child a zoo can seem like an endless world of wonder,
stretching as far as the eye can see. But for North Carolina Zoo visitors there
are literally miles of “natural habitats” to explore with more than 1,000
animals representing more than 200 species. Located in Asheboro, about 75 miles
Northeast of Charlotte, in the Uwharrie Mountains sits more than three miles of
pathways that take you from Africa to the Arctic.
Spacious Exhibits
Recognized as the largest walk-through zoo in the nation, the
North Carolina Zoo is unique in the fact that it was designed using the “natural
habitat” philosophy. None of the exhibits have fences, steel bars, or cages
that enclose the animals. The construction of each exhibit closely resembles
the native trees, shrubs and other plants that grow in the wild. The zoo boasts
five miles of pathways that meander through:
- 37-acres of African Plains
- 11-acres of American Great Plains
- 1.5 acres of Australian Outback
These habitats are home to North American, African and
Australian species that are now making their home away from home in the mountains
of North Carolina. Looking out across the nearly 4-acre wide zebra exhibit and the
visually stunning grasslands of Africa that are home to elephants, waterbucks,
ostriches and more, visitors get a sense of what it’s really like to see these
creatures in the wild. Though it took a lot of hard work to conduct research
and plant trees from their natural surroundings, it makes the Zoo experience so
much more rewarding to both residents (the animals) and visitors (the humans).
Exotic Trees &
Plants
The Zoo’s curators envisioned a habitat for each animal that
contains native trees and grasses that supply the various animal species with
scenery unique to their natural habitat. They also contribute to their natural
diet. The Zoo features an African Pavilion specifically for exotic plants and
trees exclusive to the African Plains. The Tropical Plant Walk features
tropical plant species, including:
- Cola Trees
- Banana Trees
- Coffee Plants
- Oil Palms
- Tamarind Trees
Just a few of the hundreds of native vegetation, these trees
represent the authenticity and attention to detail that the Zoo established
from its very beginning in 1967.
New Exhibits
Among the exhibits at the North Carolina Zoo, the Australian
Walkabout is the newest, added in 2004, with more than a mile of animal and
plant species from down under. The exhibit features red kangaroos, emus and
exotic birds and reptiles from the outback.
The NC Zoo is now in renovations to complete a $7.8 million
Polar Bear exhibit to expand the current space of just over 6,000 square feet
to just over 15,000 square feet. By expanding the Polar Bear habitat, the NC
Zoo hopes to establish a breeding program, install a green roof with tundra
plants, and make more room for additional polar bears. The exhibit is slated
for a grand opening in 2013.
