Zoos are one of the most popular destinations for family leisure time. Animal lovers of all ages love visiting! If you plan a zoo trip with your loved ones, you will love the many options within an hour or two of Charlotte, NC. Here are some of the top zoos near Charlotte, NC you should consider visiting:
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (Columbia, SC)
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is the most popular zoo in SC. It houses over 3000 animals representing over 400 species from around the globe. This zoo has been a long-running community favorite for over four decades. Also, it is a brilliant place to visit and learn more about natural wildlife.
Apart from its flora and fauna, there is an interactive farmyard, a small children’s railroad, a children’s play area, and other exciting attractions.
North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, NC
The North Carolina Zoo is the world’s largest natural habitat zoo covering around 2,600 wooded acres. It also houses over 1,800 animals, and they have plenty of area to roam around. Animals housed within the facility include the African elephant, wild African lion, American alligator, Arctic fox, black bear, Chilean flamingo, horned puffin, and many more.
Besides providing chances to interact with wild animals in a natural setting, the NC Zoo also offers many educational programs. It also has camps year-round. It is one of the top zoos near Charlotte, NC.
Lazy 5 Ranch
The Lazy 5 Ranch is an animal sanctuary you can drive through located near Mooresville, a 30-minute drive from Charlotte. It offers a unique educational experience for adults and children through its 3.5-mile safari ride through the pasturelands of North Carolina.
You can witness over 650 animals from 6 continents around the globe, including birds, cattle, deer, elk, antelope, ratites, goats, potbelly pigs, kangaroos, camels, llamas, giraffes, equines, and more!
Tiger World
Tiger World is a popular preserve aimed at conserving endangered and threatened animals. Today they house over 54 species, out of which 14 are considered endangered animals, including tigers. The preserve is open for the public to visit and participate in educational guided or self-guided tours.
Apart from the wildlife, the preserve also hosts Wild Adventure mini golf and an assortment of events all year round for the entire family to enjoy.
Zootastic Park
The Zootastic Park in Lake Norman allows visitors to witness many exotic animals, including tigers, lions, giraffes, kangaroos, monkeys, and more. You can watch these animals eat, sleep, and laze around in their environment. You can also opt for a firsthand animal encounter in the presence of a professional. Moreover, get up close and personal with the many baby animals in this Charlotte zoo.
Carolina Raptor Center
Carolina Raptor Center is located a short 20-minute ride north of Charlotte. It is built on 56 acres of land in the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. This facility is dedicated to preserving, rehabilitating, and researching wild birds and raptors.
The center has over 30 species of live birds of prey, including Eagles, falcons, corvids, ospreys, owls, hawks, and vultures. Additionally, these can be explored through a self-guided tour of their Raptor Trail.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
The Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center is a 42-acre zoological park in east Asheville, just a short two-hour drive from Charlotte. Here you can witness the beauty of the natural wildlife that flourishes in the Southern Appalachians. Explore over 60 species of wildlife at the center, including permanently injured or endangered animals. Plan your visit to witness the wonders of nature!
Some animals you will find include black bears, pygmy goats, red foxes, river otters, barn owls, coyotes, sheep, snakes, turtles, and more.
Greensboro Science Center – Animal Discovery Zoo
The Greensboro Science Center is a museum, park, and aquarium. First, experience hands-on learning in the interactive science museum and then go to their Animal Discovery Zoological Park where you can see the many animals, including meerkats, cassowaries, lemurs, tortoises, and hornbills. From there, you can head to the state’s first accredited inland aquarium to explore the beauty of marine life.
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is one of the largest bird parks around the US, covering 28 acres. The park houses over 2000 exotic birds from roughly 200 rare species. Inside, you will see a diverse collection of waterfowls, parrots, toucans, flamingos, and other exotic birds worldwide. Walk through their spacious aviaries displaying birds from South America, North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Animal Ed.Ventures Sanctuary in Columbia, SC
The Animal Ed. Ventures Sanctuary at Noah’s Landing is a great place where children and adults alike can learn about nature and wildlife. Here they demonstrate unique stories of animal adaptations, many of which are rescues or rehomes. Moreover, their collection of animals includes peacocks, wolves, reptiles, hedgehogs, sloths, and other exciting animals that are tame enough for hands-on interactions.
Emerald Farm in Greenwood, SC
The Emerald Farm is popular in Greenwood, where visitors are welcome to visit and see the variety of animals they raise. You can watch their collection of peacocks, goats, sheep, llamas, ducks, cows, geese, chickens, and honey bees. Apart from showcasing beautiful farm animals, they also have a shop where you can get original organic goat and milk soap and other handmade body products! This is one of the best farms near Charlotte, NC.
Tregembo Animal Park in Wilmington, NC
The Tregembo Animal Park is one of the oldest sanctuaries in South Eastern North Carolina, but it remains a favorite among the community. The animal park houses over 100 species of animals, including a mix of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Apart from the wild animals, there is a 4,000-square-foot gift shop where you can get toys, clothing, souvenirs, and other exciting items.
Greenville Zoo in Greenville, SC
The Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre facility you can visit to explore wildlife from all around the world. The zoo features a collection of stunning exotic animals, including orangutans, cuddly red pandas, majestic lions, active ostriches, and many more. Their giraffe exhibit, in particular, is considered a favorite among visitors.
This zoo near Charlotte NC also hosts guided tours for visiting groups and schools throughout the year to teach the community about the need for wildlife conservation.
Piedmont Wildlife Center (Pittsboro, NC)
The Piedmont Wildlife Center is a nonprofit organization that helps with nature and wildlife conservation efforts. The center houses a diverse collection of animals, many of which have been rescued or submitted to the conservatory by their previous owners. Visitors are encouraged to learn all they can about these animals and the role they can play in their protection. The center also hosts a variety of educational events and programs year-round that may be of interest to you.
Final Thoughts
There is no better way to learn about natural wildlife than by witnessing it firsthand. This is what zoos, sanctuaries, and conservatories are built for! For your next zoo experience, we recommend visiting any above sanctuaries zoos near Charlotte, NC, for an enjoyable learning experience with your family or friends.
