"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. 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.

"The North Carolina Zoo is home to 1,700 animals of more than 200 species. The zoo is home to one of the largest chimpanzee troops of any zoo in America as well as the largest collection of Alaskan seabirds in the country. The Zoo is also one of only a few AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) in the U.S. with a breeding pair of polar bears which is part of the Species Survival Plan. As of 2022, the pair have yet to produce any offspring." (Wikipedia)

"The NC Zoo is nestled on 2,600 wooded acres centrally located in the heart of North Carolina, just south of Asheboro in Randolph County. With 500 developed acres, it is the world's largest natural habitat zoo. Moreover, the Zoo is one of two state-supported zoos in North Carolina. The North Carolina Zoo is an agency of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

"The North Carolina Zoo grew from an idea initiated by the Raleigh Jaycees in 1967. Through a series of fund-raising events, the Randolph county site was selected as it was in the center of the state. The Zoo is 75 miles west of Raleigh, 25 miles south of Greensboro and 75 miles northeast of Charlotte," the official website says.

"Get close to some of the most majestic animals on our planet at the Zoo. The biggest natural habitat zoo in North Carolina and the world offers unique experiences for people of all ages. Science camp, overnight camping, animal feeding, and more are available. Visit one of the most unique treasures of the United States at the North Carolina Zoo and help us in our mission to preserve wildlife and natural habitats."

"I love visiting the North Carolina Zoo located in Asheboro! With over 2,000 acres of land, the North Carolina Zoo is named the largest walk-through zoo in the world. (Yes, I googled it…just like you probably will, to see if I’m telling the truth, haha!)

"Seriously though, I just love how large this zoo is! You really get a sense of what the animals would look like and act like in their very own habitat. I read somewhere that when animals have the space they need to “stretch their legs”, they’re happier and less prone to have behavioral problems," the travelsadanceaway.com says. 

"Makes sense to me. One day, I would like to take my family on an African Safari, but for now, the North Carolina Zoo will have to suffice."

"This is a really big zoo – in fact, at 26,000 acres it is the largest walking – and largest natural habitat – zoo in the world. Our own long day there had us putting in six miles of walking and promising ourselves to take it in two days, next time," the New Bern Live says.

"At 15 bucks a head for adults and 11 for kids ($13 for seniors) it’s a great deal. The zoo is loaded with thousands of varieties of flowers and other plants and a huge wetlands (right inside the North American entrance) to view, along with more than 1,800 animals making up over 320 species, from humble lizards to majestic lions to powerful grizzly bears.

"Along the way there’s food shops, playgrounds, and a treetop adventure where you climb along ropes and obstacles high up, from tree to tree."

"But most people have at least heard of the North Carolina Zoo, even if they haven’t actually gone (yet). What most people may not realize is that the North Carolina Zoo is not only the largest walk-through zoo, but also the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. So what are you waiting for? You’ll love exploring the largest zoo in North Carolina," the Only In Your State says.

"A whopping 500 acres of the zoo alone are dedicated to natural habitat enclosures, meaning the residents live a cage-free life. Instead of being in a tiny fenced-in enclosure as with other zoos, many of the residents live in beautiful habitats designed to feel like home.

"With the purchase of an add-on ticket you can board the Zoofari Tour (available April through October), a specially outfitted open-air vehicle that takes you to part of the zoo where you'll get exclusive up close views of some of the animals. What fun!"

"It’s the nation’s largest walk-through, natural habitat zoo. Situated in central North Carolina near the scenic Uwharrie Mountains are 5 miles of walkways meandering through 500 acres of carefully recreated habitats of various African and North American animal species – and a new Asia region with tigers, red pandas and Komodo dragons is expected to open in 2026," the Visit North Carolina says.

"The multi-exhibit Watani Grasslands boasts some of the largest and most technologically advanced facilities for the care and exhibition of elephants and rhinos. The 7-acre pachyderm exhibit includes an immersion walkway that extends more than 100 feet into the living space to allow you an up-close look at the elephants – and vice versa.

"Trip tip: Hop on a specially outfitted, open-air vehicle for a tour – a Zoofari – of the 40-acre exhibit with an experienced zoo educator who will introduce you to nearly 100 animals. Buy your tickets at Junction Plaza when you arrive – seating is first-come, first served."

"Located about 75 miles west of Raleigh in Asheboro, the North Carolina Zoo is nationally recognized as one of the nation’s finest zoos. It was the first American zoo designed from its inception around the “natural habitat” philosophy--presenting animals and plants in exhibits that closely resemble the habitats in which they would be found in the wild," the North Carolina Travels says.

"Among the most popular exhibits are those that display polar bears, sea lions, river otters, alligators, elephants, gorillas, baboons, rhinoceros, giraffes, and zebras. The 37-acre African Plains exhibit alone is as large as many entire zoos. The 11-acre Prairie exhibit in the North American region showcases the zoo’s collection of bison and elk.

"The North Carolina Zoo was the nation’s first state-supported zoo and remains among the nation’s largest walk-through natural-habitat zoos. Its African and North American exhibit regions span more than 500 acres with more than five miles of walkways. Another 900 acres are available for future development on this scenic site in the Uwharrie Mountains, considered by geologists to be one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges. These beautiful hills are still called “mountains,” but the tallest point on zoo grounds is Purgatory Mountain at 937 feet above sea level."

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