Katherine Zehnder
Carolina Journal
Adding to Tar Heel State’s list of “First Place” accolades, earlier this month, the North Carolina Zoo was voted the best zoo by Newsweek’s “Reader’s Choice Awards.”
“The North Carolina Zoo is a unique and memorable destination unlike others in that when you come to the Zoo, you are immediately immersed in a forest where you discover amazing animals,” Patricia Simmons, Director, and CEO of the Zoo, told the Carolina Journal in an email. “It feels great. We are also world-renowned for our commitment to providing animals and plants with living environments that closely resemble wild habitats. Our goal is to share our dedication to conservation, exceptional plant and animal care, and inclusion with guests as we invite all individuals to connect with and learn from nature. Our passion shines in every detail as we work to create a safe, immersive, sensory-friendly experience suitable for the whole family. I’d like to think that guests love our southern hospitality!”
A group of panelists selected ten zoos for readers to vote on. North Carolina’s Zoo beat out the San Diego and Cincinnati Zoo.
“From the Endangered Species Carousel and Air Hike Ropes Course to zookeeper talks and guided golf-cart tours, there’s a lot to experience at the North Carolina Zoo,”
reported Newsweek. “A Zoofari trip will take you onto a 40-acre expanse for a free-roaming look at rhinos, ostriches, and herding animals. And, of course, you can explore all the animal exhibits, from the tiny desert pupfish to the African elephant.”
Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, it is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world, boasting 2800 acres and 1700 animals. The zoo was the first, and currently one of only two in the nation, which is supported by state taxpayers.
“The North Carolina Zoo is located within the ancient yet vibrant Uwharrie Mountain range, considered one of the oldest mountain ranges in the United States,” described Simmons. “It features more than five miles of scenic walking trails, offers award-winning educational programs for guests of all ages, and every visit or membership purchase helps support conservation efforts locally and worldwide.”
According to the website, the zoo has been a leader in wildlife conservation for more than two decades.
“I am most proud of the incredible talent, teamwork, and compassion displayed by members of the Zoo Team every single day,” continued Simmons. “Their hard work and commitment to the Zoo’s mission is essential to operating at peak performance and allow us to provide the best possible service to our guests and the plants and animals in our care. I am especially proud of our work with our global and community partners and non-profit organizations to make positive, meaningful impacts on our world for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Popular attractions at the Zoo include the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck, where guests can get eye-to-eye with our tallest residents during feeding times, the Kaleidoscope Butterfly Garden, the Zoofari Adventure into the 40-acre Watani habitat, and the Canine Champions for Conservation dog show starring rescue dogs completing high-energy agility challenges,” continued Simmons. However, the Zoo’s biggest attraction is “the biggest,” the elephants that roam on acres of grass dust and pools in a bonded group. When the elephants dust themselves daily, they turn the unique red color of the southern clay.
On August 17, C’Sar, one of the elephants, celebrated 50 years with the North Carolina Zoo.
“C’sar was the North Carolina Zoo’s original elephant, joining our Zoo family in 1978 at the age of four,” said Simmons. “He has spent the last 46 years with us and is the oldest African bull elephant in North America. His care team helps keep him healthy and active with custom yoga sessions, a healthy diet, and natural sunblock in the form of North Carolina red clay! It was an extra special treat to celebrate 50 WILD YEARS alongside C’sar, considering his birthday is July 25 and the Zoo’s anniversary is August 2. We are honored to share our journey with him!”
C’sar faces many challenges, including arthritis, neat blindness, and a neurological condition that affects his left ear. He is also the first elephant in the world to receive cataract surgery and corrective contact lenses.
Like, C’sar, it the big and regal nature of the Old North State’s zoo sets it apart, adding further distinction to the First in Freedom state.
“The North Carolina Zoo is a cherished piece of state and local history and a beloved travel destination that keeps guests returning year after year,” continued Simmons. “The Zoo employs over 300 full-time staff and more than 400 seasonal employees, welcomes more than a million guests per calendar year, and provides free admission to nearly 90,000 students and chaperones from registered North Carolina school groups. We also help stimulate and support the economy with an impact of over $180 million within our state; this number is expected to surpass $300 million by 2026 with the Grand Opening of the new Asia expansion.”
The News Week “Best Zoo” prize is also a bit of a celebration; North Carolina Zoo is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
“North Carolina Zoo is beautiful and remarkable in so many ways! It is a pleasure to be associated with this Zoo as its Director,” said Simmons. “We are honored to be recognized as “Best Zoo” in a nationwide contest, selected by voters from all over the country. This is our second “Top Ten” ranking in the last six months, and we are truly humbled by all the love and support we received during our 50th anniversary year.”
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