General Zoo Info
If your question is not addressed below, please call the Zoo's telephone hotline (800.488.0444), visit the North Carolina Zoo Web site, or Contact Us.
North Carolina Zoo Operating Hours
The North Carolina Zoo is open every day but Christmas Day.
- April–October: The Zoo is open from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Tickets sales are from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- November–March: Ths Zoo is open from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Ticket sales are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
During the winter months, visitors must enter both continental regions through the North American ticket booths. The African exhibits are open, but the African entrance and ticket booths are closed.
Ticket sales end one hour before the Zoo closes and several of the Zoo's animals are taken off-exhibit an hour before the park closes.
Pets
The Zoo follows strict quarantine protocols to protect its animals from exposure to diseases. A new collection animal must remain in quarantine, under observation by our veterinary staff, for a minimum of 30 days before it is introduced to its habitat. To ensure the protection of the Zoo's animals, pets are not allowed into the Zoo. Registered service dogs may enter the Zoo with proper documentation.
School Group Registration
Visit the NC Zoo's Web site to register a school group.
Wheelchairs
Guests are encouraged to bring their own wheelchairs to the Zoo. The Zoo maintains a small supply of wheelchairs that visitors can rent. Manually-operated wheelchairs rent for $10.70 a day; electric wheelchairs rent for $29.96 day. To rent a wheelchair, please speak to someone working in any of the gift shops in the African or North American entrances.
Entry refunds are not provided if wheelchairs are not available for rent. All rentals are on a first-come, first-served basis. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved.
Strollers
We encourage guests to bring their own strollers; however, visitors can rent single strollers ($9.63) and double strollers ($11.77) at the Earth Explorers Store in North America and at the Safari Gift Shop in Akiba Market.
Admission Rates
- NC Society members pay no admission charge
- Adults: $15
- Senior Citizens 62 and older: $13
- Children 2-12: $11
NC Zoo Society Memberships
Individuals and families can join the NC Zoo Society to receive free admission to the North Carolina Zoo, as well as free or half-priced admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums across America—learn more.