Outdoor Treasure: The North Carolina Zoo
For animal and nature lovers with a bucket list, all signs point to the NC Zoo in Asheboro. There, in the ancient Uwharrie Mountains, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo has pursued its mission to save species and connect people to the outdoors for half a century. After enjoying a star turn in the eight-part Nat Geo WILD series “Secrets of the Zoo: North Carolina,” the zoo adds another claim to fame with its role in “Counting Miracles,” the new novel from North Carolina romance writer Nicholas Sparks.
Sparks fans can shadow main character Tanner Hughes from the zoo’s North America entrance to the Cypress Swamp with its cougars and gators, then venture to the Rocky Coast for the polar bears and arctic foxes. From there, 5 miles of trails lead to Streamside habitats with otters and hellbenders, the Prairie with elk and bison, past North Carolina’s native red wolves, then on to the zoo’s Africa section with its gorillas and baboons, rhinos, elephants, lions and other furry faces. If you haven’t fallen in love by now, stop by the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck at the right time for feeding Turbo, Leia and their tower mates.
If five miles sounds daunting, board the tram for a free ride. If you need to nibble, find choice fare at cafes and snack bars at tram stops (including Tanner Hughes’ choice: Jungle Springs Café).
The Zoo’s appeal extends beyond viewing more than 200 species. Behind-the-scenes tours and meet-the-keeper sessions enhance connections to the zoo’s residents and their caregivers. Zoofari tours across 40 acres of Watani Grasslands take in gazelles, greater kudus, ostriches and exotic antelope. If you want to know what happens when the sun goes down, Snorin’ Safaris feature an overnight experience. Looking for a high-action option? Go for the air hike with 11 platforms and 23 obstacles with a skilled guide to help you navigate swinging ropes, a Burma bridge and plank walks.
More wonders await outside the areas occupied by animals. Hikers can take to the Purgatory Mountain Trails to for lofty views. Climbers can go bouldering at Ridges Mountain Nature Preserve. And history lovers can step back in time with a short hike to the Pisgah Covered Bridge, a 1911 structure that crosses the West Fork Branch of the Little River. “Counting Miracles” includes a visit to the bridge.
For pure play, the Endangered Species Carousel, Garden Friends Playground and KidZone Nature Play areas await. As a KultureCity partner, the zoo addresses sensory needs with designated quite zones, weighted lap pads sensory bags and other amenities.
Whether inspired by Sparks or a passion for animals and the outdoors, a visit to the NC Zoo makes for a welcome walk on the wild side. Find your starting point at NCZoo.org.
