Day Tripping North Carolina Zoo

By Paige Leary

My summer so far has been a series of day trips. The most recent was when my brother and I embarked on our journey to the North Carolina Zoo. It was one of those southern summer days where the temperature was an unrelenting 86 degrees, but with our sunscreen applied generously and an abundance of water packed, we were ready for an adventure.

fingers and bright blossoms alike. It was a serene contrast to the grandeur of the Africa region, but no less enchanting.

Throughout the day, we made sure to stay hydrated, taking frequent water breaks.

The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, spanning over 2,600 acres. Housing more than 1,800 animals from 250 species, it provides an immersive, educational, and exciting experience.

We were so excited! It was great having the one-onone time but also, we were going to the zoo! The last time I had been to this zoo was in elementary school, and while the memories were fond, they were faint. This was my brother’s very first visit, and at the ripe age of 16, he was more than excited to experience the wildlife up close.

Our first stop was the Africa region, which is considered one of the most fascinating sections of the zoo. The expansive, naturalistic habitats allowed us to see elephants, giraffes, and gorillas in an environment closely mimicking their native homes. We watched in awe as the majestic elephants gracefully moved around, the giraffes towered over us with their long necks reaching for the treetops, and the gorillas engaged in playful interactions. It was a slice of the wild African savannah, right in North Carolina. The sight of these creatures, so close yet in such a natural setting, was by far our favorite part of the trip.

Later, we found ourselves in the Butterfly Garden. Here, we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors as butterflies fluttered about landing on our

Despite the heat, we felt comfortable under the shade provided by the zoo’s natural vegetation. We enjoyed a packed lunch in one of the many picnic areas scattered around the zoo, giving us a moment of rest and reflection before heading back to explore the rest of the park.

Returning home, sun-kissed and filled with awe, we were already reminiscing about the incredible encounters we had experienced. My brother couldn’t stop talking about the gorillas, and I was smitten with the giraffes’ grace. It was not just a day at the zoo, but a journey into the heart of nature, a journey we both knew we would never forget.

If you are looking for your next adventure, visit the zoo. You can find more information about the zoo and tickets at at www.nczoo.org.