NC Zoo - Randolph Record

03 Jan

NC Zoo celebrates 1 millionth visitor in 2023

Scott Pelkey, North State JournalNews1 millionth visitor, NC Zoo

With just a few days before the end of the year, the North Carolina Zoo exceeded one million guests in a calendar year for the first time in its history. On Dec. 27, Ran Liu and his family became the one millionth visitor to the North Carolina Zoo in 2023. The previous record for highest attendance in a calendar year was 930,002, set in 2022. “Being recognized as the millionth guest was a pleasant surprise and an honor,” says Liu, a Zoo member according to a press release from the Zoo. “I look forward to the day when [the Zoo]…

01 Nov

North Carolina Zoo mourns loss of polar bear Payton

Randolph RecordNewsdeath, NC Zoo, payton, polar bear

The North Carolina Zoo announced the loss of male polar bear Payton on Oct. 25. Payton was being transferred to the Louisville Zoo in Kentucky as part of a polar bear breeding partnership recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). During the transfer, the care team, which accompanied Payton, performed routine checks on the 1,000-pound bear. Less than two hours into the trip, the team found Payton unresponsive. He was immediately transported to a nearby large animal veterinarian, who confirmed Payton had passed. The bear was returned to the North Carolina Zoo, where a necropsy was conducted by…

05 Oct

NC Zoo Celebrates National Drive Electric Week

Scott PelkeyFeaturesNational Drive Electric Week, NC Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo celebrates its new electric tractor with a ribbon cutting at an event celebrating National Drive Electric Week on Sept. 29 at the zoo in Asheboro. The event showcased how the zoo is using electric vehicles and attendees got to see and test electric cars, scooters, and more. Below right, left to right: Walker Moffitt, mayor pro tempore and member of the NC Zoo Council, Patricia Simmons, director and CEO at North Carolina Zoo, and Eddie Burks, Asheboro City Council member, cut the ribbon. (Photos by Scott Pelkey / Randolph Record)

27 Sep

REMC will host electric vehicle event at zoo

Randolph RecordNewsElectric Vehicles, NC Zoo, REMC

ASHEBORO — An electric atmosphere is expected at the North Carolina Zoo this week, and the enthusiasm will be in the parking lot instead of the habitat areas. On Friday, September 30, Randolph Electric Membership Corporation will sponsor “It’s Electric,” a public education event showcasing electric vehicles. The outdoor event, planned during National Drive Electric Week hopes to draw attention to the positive aspects of driving all-electric and plug-in hybrid automobiles. Vehicles from various automobile dealerships, an electric school bus and EV chargers will be on display for REMC members and guests of the Zoo. The first 100 participants will…

26 Jul

NC Zoo working to secure funding to rebuild aviary

Scott PelkeyNewsaviary, closed, NC Zoo

ASHEBORO — The Aviary at the North Carolina Zoo is set to be demolished, but the Zoo is working on securing funds and putting together plans to rebuild. With its 93 species of birds, hundreds of tropical plants, and an environment that mimics the tropical rainforest, the Aviary has been a guest favorite since it first opened in 1982. In January 2022, the Zoo announced that the Aviary would be closing due to a potential threat of Avian Flu, leaving many guests with the impression that this closure would be temporary. However, during the closure, a team of engineers was…

19 Jul

NC Zoo’s new chimp needs name

Randolph RecordNewsbaby animals, chimp, name, NC Zoo

ASHEBORO – Earlier this month the North Carolina Zoo welcomed a newborn chimp. The baby girl still needs a name. NC Zoo’s troop now consists of 17 chimpanzees – females Gigi, Amy, Ebi, Gari, Genie (the mother of the new chimp), Gerre, Ruby, Tammy, Asha and the new infant; males – Jonathan, Lance, Sokoto, Kendall, Gus and Obi and the new infant. The North Carolina Zoo Society members will vote on the baby chimpanzee’s name in the upcoming weeks. The newest baby has been active and nursing, according to Zoo officials. “Genie is doing so well being a first-time mom,”…

24 May

SECU Foundation donates $2 million for Zoo’s Asia habitat

Randolph RecordNewsanimals, Asia Habitat, donation, NC Zoo, SECU, State Employees Credit Union, zoo

ASHEBORO — Last week, the SECU Foundation gifted $2 million to assist with the North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia habitat expansion, which is currently under construction. Members from the foundation presented the check at a private event held at the newly renovated baboon habitat. “Funding from the foundation will enable the zoo to expand its capacity for education and outreach for both virtual and in-person visits through the SECU Visitor View Pavilion and Classroom in Asia, the centerpiece of the new 10-acre complex,” stated the NC Zoo Society and the SECU Foundation in a joint press release. “The Pavilion and…

17 May

Zoo looks to address parking pinch

Randolph RecordNewsNC Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, parking, zoo council

ASHEBORO — High attendance on some spring days has created parking issues for North Carolina Zoo. The NC Zoo Council heard details of the situation during last week’s meeting. Zoo director Pat Simmons said there could be plans to expand parking ahead of opening the new Asia exhibit to relieve some of the parking headaches. The Zoo has issued the following advisory: “For your safety and guest experience, the Zoo may need to limit parking once the lots are full. We typically reopen the parking lots once guests start leaving and spaces open.” Some of the parking pinches have come…

01 Mar

New male lion officially arrives at NC Zoo

Randolph RecordNewsanimals, Haji, lion, NC Zoo, zoo

ASHEBORO — A new lion residing at the North Carolina Zoo is available to be seen by the public as of last week. All 400 pounds of him. The 3-year-old male lion, Haji, came from Audobon Zoo in New Orleans. He’ll be a companion for Mekita, 13. Haji and Mekita are on a rotating schedule where guests can see them in their habitat. Guests should be able to spot Haji by his growing mane, which is mohawk style. His mane will continue to grow and darken as he ages. “We’re excited our guests now get to see Haji more often,”…

15 Feb

NC Zoo Council approves ticket price increase

Randolph RecordNewsNC Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, ticket price increase

The N.C. Zoo Council recently voted to approve an increase in the cost of admission to the North Carolina Zoo. The council, which is comprised of 15 members appointed by the governor to oversee the operation and development of the zoo, held a virtual meeting to discuss the matter on February 8. According to Pat Simmons, Director and CEO of the North Carolina Zoo, “zoo funding comes 50% from the State with the other 50% from gate ticket sales,” but the cost of running the zoo has gone up over the years. Revenue from ticket sales has not grown to…