North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC

Saturday, January 7 was our first family outing (other than visiting family) since our first daughter was born on October 17. The weather was nice, no chance for rain and afternoon temperatures between 65 and 70, so we decided to head towards Asheboro and the North Carolina Zoological Park, about 90 minutes from Raleigh via US-64.

It was still chilly in the morning, but we left the house around 11:00 and made it to the zoo around 1:00. I recommend eating lunch prior to entering the zoo. During the off season, the Africa entrance and parking area is closed, so we'll be starting our visit in North America. 

Having been to the zoo before, we decided to head directly towards Africa, as last time we skipped half of this section. It also helps that the Polor bear exhibit is closed until next year for renovations, one of the highlights (when Knut isn't alseep at least) of North America. It isn't a boring walk as we still saw many of the North American exhibits during the walk, the black bears (who were sleeping) , the grizzly bears (also sleeping) and the red wolves (resting, but not asleep). 

Red Wolf 

After most of the North America Exhibits, this sign lets you know there is a break before you have to walk uphill anymore. 

Once we get to Africa, see see the Chimpanzee's and then we head over to Lemur Island and then to see the lions. Today, the lemur's were playing around, and, the lion, like the bears, was asleep.

Next we headed down towards the Giraffe's, and then made are way to the elephants.

After this, we made are way back to North America. We were getting tired, who knew a three month old would be so much work, and decided to skip most of the primates and headed towards the Sonora Desert building. 

My daughter's favorite animal this trip, a desert Quail

After the Sonora Desert, we were exhausted and headed back to the entrance. We skipped over the Streamside building (otters, bobcats, snakes, etc), the Cypress Swamp (alligators, cougars), and the Rocky Coast (seals) but were happy with everything that we did get to see.

Currently, its $12 for adults and $8 for children aged 2-12. Or  for $74 a year, become a member, and get free admission for two adults living in one household and all their children. You also get free admission to all three NC Aquariums for a year, plus free or discounted admission to a number of zoos and aquariums around the country. Doesn't take too many visits for this to pay for itself.  As members, we never feel like we have to see everything as we know we will be back again every few months. 

Be sure to check out the Zoo website for any changes to the admissions fees or park hours.

www.nczoo.com