North Carolina Zoo - Randolph Record

08 Jun

Zoo hooks up more hiking options

Bob SuttonFeaturesAsheboro, hiking trails, North Carolina Zoo, Purgatory Mountain

ASHEBORO — Another trail opened during the weekend as part of the North Carolina Zoo’s system and this one has a theme that might intrigue many folks in Randolph County. The grand opening of the completed Purgatory Mountain Trail Network was held as part of Saturday’s National Trails Day. A moonshining component was highlighted as part of the weekend hike. That seemed appropriate to Randolph County commissioner Hope Haywood. “If we think about history and culture, the moonshine trail is also closely connected to another part of our culture, which is the pottery culture here,” she said. “Our potters got…

Zoo closes aviary habitat

Randolph RecordStateaviary habitat, North Carolina Zoo

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo announced it would permanently close its aviary habitat. First built in the early 1980s, the 40-year-old domed structure requires significant repairs due to the effects of high humidity and wet conditions, according to the NC Zoo. The decision to close and take down the habitat was made by the zoo leadership and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. “For 40 years, the Zoo’s aviary offered a special place to connect with nature,” NC Zoo director Pat Simmons said. “The free-flying birds and tropical plants served as an oasis for many people –…

Zoo will host three-day science festival

Randolph RecordEventsAsheboro, North Carolina Science Festival, North Carolina Zoo

ASHEBORO — A month-long celebration of science will include an event at the North Carolina Zoo in April. The North Carolina Science Festival presents events across the state and this year Asheboro will host the three-day “Tinkering for Tomorrow” experience at the Kidzone at the zoo. The event runs April 1 through April 3 from 10am to 2pm. During the festival, the zoo will provide fun places where craft supplies, and recycled items are available to create solutions to science problems. There is no additional charge for the activities. The festival features hundreds of community events and is the first…