North Carolina Zoo

06/02/2026

We are thrilled to be able to announce that we recently had a new chimpanzee join Kendall's troop, meet Akira!

Akira recently came to the North Carolina Zoo from the Detroit Zoo, where she was born in 2011. She is a very socially savvy individual and has quickly become friends with troop leader, Kendall. Youngster Gombe also loves to play with Akira, and she keeps up very well with him! She is a peacemaker in the troop.

Akira is very smart and enjoys training with her keepers. She is very observant, watching her troop members and following quickly after. We can’t wait to get to continue to get to know Akira as she continues to make herself at home!

📸 Thanks to Keeper Jocelyn for these photos of Akira from her first day out on habitat! She is pictured here with Gus.

06/01/2026

Even Anana the polar bear can't resist a roll in the grass on a warm spring day! 🌞 Anana always has a choice on where she wants to spend her time, whether it's in her chilled, temperature-controlled indoor quarters or out on habitat in the sun. As a geriatric bear, Anana sometimes prefers to nap all day behind-the-scenes and that's a-okay! It makes these special moments in the sunshine even more special✨

05/31/2026

Meet the Blue-Crowned Laughingthrush 😍 Unfortunately, these beautiful birds are Critically Endangered with only a few hundred left in their native region of China.

Blue-Crowned Laughingthrush, among many other speices, are affected by the Asian Songbird Crisis, where birds are illegally taken from the wild for the pet trade. Specifically, the Blue-Crowned Laughingthrush are sought after due to their beautiful song. 🎶

But, there are conservation efforts in place to save this species from extinction! They are the only bird species that is globally managed, meaning there is a Global Species Management Plan between the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in North America and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The AZA and EAZA share data, genetics, and birds to create a healthy, sustainable captive population. 🌎🌍🌏

We have been successful in breed Blue-Crowned Laughingthrush here at the North Carolina Zoo! Just another example of ongoing mission to save wildlife and wild places. 🫶 🪺

05/30/2026

Let’s get back to the basics for our last post by chatting about, what IS a salamander?

- A salamander is a type of amphibian that is known for its long slender body, moist skin, and long tail. Although they look similar to lizards, they are amphibians, not reptiles! 🦎
- Salamanders are mostly nocturnal, not venomous and can breathe through their skin! 🌙
- They are carnivorous amphibians, eating bugs, worms, invertebrates and even other salamanders. 🐛

05/30/2026

Celebrate National Trails Day with us by hiking on Purgatory Mountain next Saturday, June 6! 🥾

This trail network is adjacent to the Zoo and contains 5 miles of hiking trails. Zoo naturalists and trail crew members will be available at the second trail map (1/8 mile past the trailhead) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to greet hikers and share information about the natural area and trails. 🌲 There also will be a free guided hike at 10:30 a.m. 🎒

⚠️The Purgatory Mountain trailhead is located at the north end of the North America parking lot. This event is free and Zoo admissions is not necessary.

05/29/2026

Have you ever wanted to work in education and conservation at the North Carolina Zoo? If so, then our fellowship might be the perfect opportunity for you! 👀

Here’s a quick overview: Our team is seeking a Fellowship applicant to work alongside Zoo educators and conservation professionals to deliver engaging educational experiences for school groups, families, and community audiences both onsite and through outreach programming. This hands-on opportunity provides valuable experience in environmental education, public engagement, conservation communication, and program development in one of the nation’s largest natural habitat zoos.

This fellowship is an 11-month position running from September 1 through July 31, with the option to renew at the end of the term. The position offers a unique opportunity to build professional skills, expand your experience in informal education and conservation outreach, and contribute to meaningful work that supports the Zoo’s mission and guests from across North Carolina and beyond.

For more information and TO APPLY, head to our website:

The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of exciting and unique internship opportunities.

05/29/2026

That deep rumbling sound? Those are FEMALE alligators bellowing. 🐊
While male alligators are famous for their booming calls, females bellow too as a form of communication during the breeding season. These powerful reptiles are far more social and complex than many people realize.

What makes this even more incredible is that American alligators were once on the verge of extinction due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. Thanks to conservation efforts, habitat protection, and legal safeguards, their populations recovered so successfully that they became one of the greatest wildlife conservation success stories in the United States.

Every bellow across the wetlands is a reminder that conservation works. 💚

05/28/2026

Veterinary staff in zoos encounter a unique set of challenges that can significantly impact their mental health. While caring for a diverse range of animals can be incredibly rewarding, it also presents overwhelming situations that require their very best, even when they may be emotionally and physically exhausted.

Zoo veterinary medicine extends beyond veterinarians alone. Veterinary technicians, assistants, animal care teams, pathology staff, specialists, and support personnel all play an essential role in the health and well-being of the animals in their care. 🩺

One of the primary challenges faced by zoo veterinary professionals is the need for highly specialized and constantly evolving knowledge. Caring for species that range in size and needs requires continuous learning, adaptation, and problem solving. The pressure to provide exceptional care for animals that may have few medical references or research can be mentally exhausting. 📚

These professionals also work in high-pressure environments where emergencies can happen without warning. Critical procedures, overnight monitoring, transports, quarantine, and more can create chronic stress and fatigue. Long hours and compassion fatigue only add to the burden many teams already carry.

Addressing the mental health of zoo veterinary professionals is crucial, not only for their own well-being, but also for the quality of care provided to the animals. Creating supportive workplace cultures, encouraging open conversations about mental health, providing access to resources, and recognizing the emotional labor involved in this field are all essential steps. 🧠

Behind every animal is a team of dedicated professionals carrying both compassion and invisible emotional weight. Supporting their mental health matters, regardless of their role and especially when a majority of their work is unseen.

Thank you for following along on this mini series for Mental Health Month. We hope you leave these posts with even just a little more compassion for the incredible teams that work with animals in any capacity both here at the Zoo and in your daily life. 🫶

05/27/2026

Thank you, PBS North Carolina for featuring us in the Best of Our State! ❤️

05/27/2026

🔟 OTTERLY interesting facts about North American River Otters for …🤓 📝

1. River otters can slow their heart rate and hold their breath up to 8 minutes underwater, diving as deep as 60 feet! Impressive right? 🤿

2. No blubber, no problem! NAROs have a high metabolism requiring frequent eating and dense fur to stay warm. ❄️

3. They have a third transparent eyelid which acts like built-in goggles underwater, called a nictitating membrane. 👁️

4. They swim around 5.6 mph and can run up to 15 mph on land, sliding even faster. 🏃🛝

5. Females live with pups until they mature; males may form bachelor groups due to their social nature. Like the two males at the Zoo, Murphy and Bowser! 🤎

6. They communicate with whistles, growls, screams, and chuckles. 🤭

7. Scent marking is key for territory; glands under their tail leave a strong scent that resists water. 💨

8. Their p**p, called spraint, has a strong odor and contains fish scales, shells, and bones. 💩

9. Otters wash themselves after every meal. 🧼

10. A group of North American River Otters is called a romp, bevy, or lodge. 🦦