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| Black Bears at NC Zoo in Asheboro © Katrena |
The North Carolina Zoo, located at 4401 Zoo Parkway in Asheboro, North Carolina, offers such a nice variety of displays and activities. One might think that a zoo would only have animals, but this zoo has incorporated many details within many unexpected places.
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| Giraffe at North Carolina Zoo © Katrena |
Taking a step away from digital life can encourage people to see nature in all its glory. The art of slowing down and enjoying the journey reaps great benefits to those who visit the zoo. As our family has visited the Asheboro Zoo several times, we have enjoyed the little details that seem to crop up when least expected.
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| Can You Find the Alligator Snapping Turtle in this Picture? © Katrena |
It might be easy to breeze by a Cypress Swamp, but after standing on the bridge for a while, you might catch a glimpse of a huge tadpole, a similar size to a tablespoon. Or maybe a dragonfly that decides to perch on a water lily. Watching a skink skitter by along the walkway might not have been a planned exhibit but elicited some cool conversations among those of us nearby.
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| Interactive Ways to Learn About Plants and Animals at NC Zoo © Katrena |
Although I know some plants and animals native to North America and Africa, I always welcome new learning opportunities. Many displays offer details and great pictures of the animals and plants in or near the area. Some educational postings are interactive. For example, my daughter timed herself to see how long she could hold her breath and then looked at how her results compared to several animals that can hold their breath for particularly long periods of time.
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| Interactive Kid-Friendly Conservation Education at NC Zoo © Katrena |
Displays highlighting conservation and protection of the environment abound throughout the zoo with ample opportunity to learn how we can do simple actions to help protect the environment around us. The carousel features a variety of endangered animals, and plaques often mention when a plant or animal on display is endangered. The
zoo's web site also offers details about many of their animals, plants, and displays.
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| Artwork at Honeybee Exhibit in North Carolina Zoo © Katrena |
Those who enjoy art will find a nice variety of sculptures and art forms throughout the zoo. Many are large and intended as photo opportunities, but there are quite a few unassuming art pieces, such as the bird shape chiseled into a rock, that captured my eye that might easily be missed.
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| Fun Playground in NC Zoo in Asheboro © Katrena |
If you are planning to take in the whole zoo in one day, you are almost guaranteed to get a good physical workout because this zoo covers a large area. Most of the trails are shaded, and benches are scattered throughout the zoo. Many side trails offer additional opportunities to get active with the kids, such as an indoor hopscotch area, an outdoor wading pool, or a huge spider web climbing area in the shaded playground.
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| Seal at North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro © Katrena |
Photographers can find a wealth of photo opportunities throughout the zoo. The animals are often more active in the mornings and during feeding times. Zoo keepers and others who work at the zoo can often give great tips and provide added information related to the various displays as well. Some animals may be more animated in temperatures that are cooler. A few animals, like the otters and puffins, may be quite fast and difficult to capture on film, but visitors with video capabilities may be able to share some of the animals' personalities as they perform underwater acrobatics!
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| Fun Ways to Enjoy NC Zoo © Katrena |
Visiting the zoo is easily an all-day adventure, and I recommend arriving near opening time if you plan to try to see all displays in one day. Those who are considering visiting several times in a year might consider a zoo membership – it can be cost effective, particularly if you visit several times, and you can also enjoy reciprocal privileges at other participating attractions.
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| Pretty Landscaping and Fun Family Activities at Zoo in NC © Katrena |
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| See Baby Baboons and Other Animals at North Carolina Zoo © Katrena |
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