The Largest Walk-Through Zoo in the World: North Carolina Zoo

The majestic elephants were roaming and playing with one other, looking as if they had just finished a bath…a mud bath, that is. *winky face* I am always so amazed that these creatures even exist! So massive in size, yet so gentle…graceful, even. 

I love visiting the North Carolina Zoo located in Asheboro! With over 2,000 acres of land, the North Carolina Zoo is named the largest walk-through zoo in the world. (Yes, I googled it…just like you probably will, to see if I’m telling the truth, haha!) Seriously though, I just love how large this zoo is! You really get a sense of what the animals would look like and act like in their very own habitat. I read somewhere that when animals have the space they need to “stretch their legs”, they’re happier and less prone to have behavioral problems. Makes sense to me. One day, I would like to take my family on an African Safari, but for now, the North Carolina Zoo will have to suffice. 

This past month, we visited the zoo with only our youngest. She is an animal lover to the extreme! I’m just waiting for the day for her to request a vegetarian diet. Pigs, for some reason, are her absolute favorite. This zoo does have hogs, so that made our girl even happier to be at the zoo! My favorite zoo animal would have to be the giraffe. They absolutely amaze me! For a small $2 fee, you can even feed the giraffes at the North Carolina Zoo!! I couldn’t believe how close we were to these gorgeous creatures! My daughter even got licked by one! The zoo is always a great way to make some special memories with loved ones. Looking into my daughter’s eyes as they lit up with excitement at the sight of each new animal made this mom’s heart happy! I’ve collected so many wonderful memories with my children at the zoo. Hearing the words “That was the best day ever, can we do it again?!” makes it even sweeter:-)

*fun fact~ Adult giraffes can grow to anywhere between 16-20 feet in total height and their neck weighs approximately 600 pounds! 
    

There are two main areas of the zoo, the North America region and the Africa region. You may park, enter, and exit at either of the main exhibits. There is also an aviary section that has over 3,000 tropical plants and dozens of exotic birds to explore! The North Carolina Zoo has open-air trams and air-conditioned buses to transport their guests from one side of the zoo to the other. You may decide to bring a packed lunch or you can eat at one of their cafes located throughout the property. We brought our own lunch, but couldn’t resist eating some fries, haha! (Loaded chili, cheese fries…oh my!) At least we got plenty of exercise by walking miles and miles around the zoo. Visit the North Carolina Zoo’s site to plan your very own trip! Just click on the following link to view ticket prices, upcoming events, and more…The North Carolina Zoo!

So, how about you? What’s your favorite zoo animal? 

My Daughter and I named these guys “Winnie” and “Poo” 😉