If you love to see animals up close and personal, there are plenty of places in North Carolina to do just that. From petting zoos and farms, to habitat zoos and aquariums, the Tarheel State has lots of opportunities for you to observe and interact with animals of all shapes and sizes.
Zootastic Park of Lake Norman, Troutman
Their name might sound a little silly, but the folks at Zootastic take their business with animals very seriously. In fact, the park is a passionate project that is privately owned and operated by a local NC man and his family. What started as a dream between a man and his son while on a long airplane flight has now grown into a full-fledged zoo with a Western Town, Exotic Animal Facility and multiple animal barns. When you enter the park, you’ll have the option to buy feed for some of the animals including crackers that you can feed to the giraffes with your mouth! You can also choose from several optional Animal Encounters including a 60-minute Monkey Encounter and a 15-minute Baby Animal Encounter with a kangaroo, lemur, spider monkey or sloth. Even if you don’t opt for the additional experiences, you will still have plenty to see walking through the animal areas and then taking the wagon ride at the back of the park where you’ll see more animals in environments that mimic their natural state. You’ll even get a chance to feed some of them, just watch your fingertips!
Sylvan Heights Bird Park, Scotland Neck
Bird lovers will also want to check out the Sylvan Heights Bird Park located in Scotland Neck, NC, since it is the world’s largest waterfowl park and is home to over 2,500 birds from around the world. Visitors have the chance to see everything from parakeets and parrots, to flamingos, toucans and more, as they walk through a series of large aviaries and interactive zones.
North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro
The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is the World’s Largest Natural Habitat Zoo. That means you’ll have the chance to see many of these animals in their “natural” environment, including elephants, bears, tigers, lions, gorillas and more. First, you’ll travel through three main zones – Africa, where you’ll feel like you’re on a real safari; North America, where you’ll see animals from the desert all the way to the icy coast; and the R.J. Reynolds Forest Aviary that displays more than 3,000 tropical plants along with dozens of species of exotic birds. But that’s not nearly all of it. If you manage to make it through all of that and still have time, there’s much more to check out including the Giraffe Deck, paddleboats, rides, a ropes course and the Kidzone with nature play areas for children ages 2 to 10.
Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville
If you’re a lover of birds, particularly large ones, you’ll definitely want to take a trip to the Carolina Raptor Center, located inside the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve in Huntersville. Spread across 57 acres, the Center educates and entertains visitors with the Raptor Trail, where they can connect with over 30 different species of birds in their natural world. Informal programs are also held along the trail during weekend hours and include a Raptor Meet & Greet and Raptor Encounters, where visitors can get up close and personal with vultures, hawks, falcons and eagles.
Lazy 5 Ranch, Mooresville
Lazy 5 Ranch in Mooresville, NC, is another privately owned and operated exotic animal farm. It is home to over 750 animals that come from 6 different continents including zebras, giraffes, camels, lemurs and more. Visitors get a chance to see the animals up close from the comfort of their vehicle or from a horse drawn wagon ride that travels along the 3 ½ mile safari ride. And get to feed them as well from buckets that are provided on the wagon. The line can move slowly though and the farm can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so be sure to plan ahead and bring cash since they do not accept credit cards.
North Carolina Aquarium - Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher & Jennette's Pier
With 4 separate locations across the state, the North Carolina Aquarium highlights the animals and history associated with each region. At the Roanoke Island location, you’ll learn about river otters and alligators. In Pine Knoll Shores, it’s loggerhead sea turtles. At Fort Fisher, you can meet a rare albino alligator and see a rescued bald eagle. And at the Jennette’s Pier location, you can learn about world-class finishing and renewable energy. But no matter which one you go to, you’ll leave with a new understanding and appreciation for NC aquatic life.
