A Day at the Zoo

Posted: June 04, 2025

My wife and I took her youngest niece to the North Carolina Zoo recently. This was our first time to visit. I've been to a few zoos before. I visited the National Zoo (part of the Smithsonian) in DC many times, and the Pittsburgh Zoo a few years ago, which are both great zoos. And a long time ago I remember my parents taking me to the zoo in Houston, but I can hardly remember that trip.

I've got to say, as far as zoos go, the NC Zoo has to be one of the best around. We got there a little late so we only had time to explore the Africa section. I appreciate how spacious the place it. The animals have a lot of room to move around, and I think a lot of them were rescued. Apparently you have to get there pretty early if you want to get tickets to take a kind of safari tour of the more wide open spaces. A tip I learned for next time: park in the Africa lot and as soon as they open take the tram to the Junction to get tickets early.

The North Carolina Aquarium, over on Roanoke island is really great as well. I've gone many times growing up, and I noticed recently they've made a lot of improvements.

I think North Carolina is a really incredible state to live. There is so much to do and see. We recently went to Blowing Rock and Lineville Gorge, which were areas we hadn't explored before. There is just so much natural wonder to appreciate in NC.