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NC Zoo working to secure funding to rebuild aviary

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ASHEBORO — The Aviary at the North Carolina Zoo is set to be demolished, but the Zoo is working on securing funds and putting together plans to rebuild.

With its 93 species of birds, hundreds of tropical plants, and an environment that mimics the tropical rainforest, the Aviary has been a guest favorite since it first opened in 1982.

In January 2022, the Zoo announced that the Aviary would be closing due to a potential threat of Avian Flu, leaving many guests with the impression that this closure would be temporary. However, during the closure, a team of engineers was brought in to conduct an inspection of the building, and their findings were not promising.

“The aviary is a very humid environment; it’s a very rough environment,” said Debbie Zombeck, the chief curator of birds at the N.C. Zoo and the aviary’s supervisor, in an interview last year.

After 40 years, it seems that the building has reached the end of its lifecycle.

Engineers found drainage, foundation, and HVAC issues and ultimately concluded that renovations would not be financially viable for the Zoo. Fears surrounding aviation flu at the time, coupled with the engineers’ assessment, led to the unpopular decision to permanently close and take down the habitat in April 2022.

Because the response from the public was overwhelmingly negative, the Zoo administration and the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources quickly began working secure funding to both demolish the old aviary and, in the future, rebuild.

The Zoo has hired REI Engineers to work on demolition drawings.

“Once the demolition drawings are complete, Zoo staff will work next on the bid process for a contractor to remove the building,” said Diane Villa, Director of Communications and Marketing.

In March 2023, Governor Roy Cooper introduced his 2023-25 budget proposal, which includes $60 million for the “Zoo Aviary replacement,” but the budget has not been passed.

“The aviary has been an integral part of the N.C. Zoo for decades,” said Senator David Craven, Jr. “It was a unique experience that provided an experience that provided visitors an up-close-and-personal look at birds and tropical plants.

While no timeline has been announced, sources familiar with the Zoo say a new aviary may not open until at least 2030.

“Should the funding come through, the new aviary design process will begin,” said Villa. “It will take time, noting that the North Carolina Zoo is in the process of building the Asia region as a priority, but staff are excited to begin establishing criteria for the birds and the guest experience. As it is early in the planning and funding phases, it is difficult to set a timeline for when the new aviary will be completed.”

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NC Zoo’s new chimp needs name

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ASHEBORO – Earlier this month the North Carolina Zoo welcomed a newborn chimp. The baby girl still needs a name.

NC Zoo’s troop now consists of 17 chimpanzees – females Gigi, Amy, Ebi, Gari, Genie (the mother of the new chimp), Gerre, Ruby, Tammy, Asha and the new infant; males – Jonathan, Lance, Sokoto, Kendall, Gus and Obi and the new infant.

The North Carolina Zoo Society members will vote on the baby chimpanzee’s name in the upcoming weeks.

The newest baby has been active and nursing, according to Zoo officials.

“Genie is doing so well being a first-time mom,” North Carolina Zoo animal keeper Sarah Himmelspach said. “Genie’s childcare practice with her little brother Obi is definitely coming in handy. The baby girl is so strong and holding on tight whenever mom moves. Little girl’s uncle Obi has been very curious but respectful as mom and baby get more comfortable with the rest of the troop.”

Genie, who is 11 years old, is a first-time mother and was born at the Dallas Zoo in 2011. She arrived at the NC Zoo in 2012 with three other family members – mom Gerre, grandmother Gari and aunt Gigi.

Chimps are very protective of their young, and mothers hold the infants exclusively to their chest until about four months of age; only then are they allowed on the ground to begin exploring.

The most recent chimp births were a male born to Gigi in May and male Obi and female Asha in 2019, who are now rambunctious toddlers.

This is the seventh chimp birth at the North Carolina Zoo since 2010, making the NC Zoo the most successful Association of Zoos and Aquariums for breeding chimps. The Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan, managed by the AZA, recommended this planned birth.

The gestation period for chimpanzees is 230 days. Chimps have an average lifespan of 35-40 years in zoos.

Chimps are one of the five types of great apes, along with gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and humans. They are well-known for their intelligence and tool use. Chimps communicate in a variety of ways, including vocalizations, gestures and body posture, and facial expressions, allowing them to maintain complex relationships within communities that can number over 100 individuals in the wild.

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SECU Foundation donates $2 million for Zoo’s Asia habitat

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ASHEBORO — Last week, the SECU Foundation gifted $2 million to assist with the North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia habitat expansion, which is currently under construction. Members from the foundation presented the check at a private event held at the newly renovated baboon habitat.

“Funding from the foundation will enable the zoo to expand its capacity for education and outreach for both virtual and in-person visits through the SECU Visitor View Pavilion and Classroom in Asia, the centerpiece of the new 10-acre complex,” stated the NC Zoo Society and the SECU Foundation in a joint press release. “The Pavilion and Classroom will offer a formal venue for interactive learning and a glass observation wall overlooking an indoor primate habitat. It will also provide a closer look at Komodo dragons, gibbons, giant salamanders, king cobras, and other animal species.” 

The zoo officially broke ground on its new Asia habitat in August 2022, making it the first new continent at the park since North America opened in 1994. Roughly $46 million in funding from the state budget was allocated to the projected. Combined with the approximately $28 million raised through donations by the NC Zoo Society’s capital fundraising campaign, the zoo’s approximate total for the project is around $75 million dollars.

“North Carolina is most fortunate to have a world-class facility that is dedicated to protecting wildlife populations and their living habitats while educating the community about conserving the natural world,” said Bob Brinson, SECU Foundation board chair. “Education is one of the foundation’s core areas for giving, and we are pleased to support the Zoo’s expansion project to further enrich experiences for visitors of all ages.”

“The NC Zoo Society is honored to have been selected as an SECU Foundation grant recipient,” stated John Ruffin, NC Zoo Society board chair. “Partnerships like this will help us build the new Asia habitat expansion and continue our goal of securing a safe and enduring future for the zoo and its programs.”

The new Asia habitat is expected to open in 2026. For more information about the expansion, please visit https://www.nczoo.org/visit/asia.

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Zoo looks to address parking pinch

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ASHEBORO — High attendance on some spring days has created parking issues for North Carolina Zoo.

The NC Zoo Council heard details of the situation during last week’s meeting.

Zoo director Pat Simmons said there could be plans to expand parking ahead of opening the new Asia exhibit to relieve some of the parking headaches.

The Zoo has issued the following advisory: “For your safety and guest experience, the Zoo may need to limit parking once the lots are full. We typically reopen the parking lots once guests start leaving and spaces open.”

Some of the parking pinches have come from contractors for the Asia exhibit using one of the overflow lots. Additional parking was planned as part of the Asia exhibit, so expediting that could be in the works.

Zoo officials said sunny weekend days logically tend to draw the largest crowds. Carpooling is recommended when possible.

For patrons with options on when to visit, the Zoo typically has lower attendance on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Zoo hours for April through October are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (closing time is 4 p.m. from November through March). Parking is free.

Also, at the Zoo, the baboon habitat reopening is scheduled for May 24.

Then beginning May 29 through early September, a show featuring trained dogs promoting conservation will be among the daily events at the Zoo.

Haji

New male lion officially arrives at NC Zoo

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ASHEBORO — A new lion residing at the North Carolina Zoo is available to be seen by the public as of last week. 

All 400 pounds of him.

The 3-year-old male lion, Haji, came from Audobon Zoo in New Orleans. He’ll be a companion for Mekita, 13.

Haji and Mekita are on a rotating schedule where guests can see them in their habitat. Guests should be able to spot Haji by his growing mane, which is mohawk style. His mane will continue to grow and darken as he ages.

“We’re excited our guests now get to see Haji more often,” said Jennifer Ireland, the Zoo’s curator of mammals. “We’re giving Haji more time to explore his new habitat to help establish his territory. It takes a lot of time and patience to work with big cats. Right now, they can see and smell each other.”

The Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Lions Species Survival Plan recommended the pairing of Haji and Mekita. Haji was brought to the Zoo mainly as a companion for Mekita because lions are big cats that live in social groups called “prides,” according to NC Zoo.

Mekita’s last mate — 23-year-old Reilly — died last August, leaving her as the Zoo’s only lion. Reilly lived at the Zoo for 21 years, spending most of his time as Mekita’s mate. 

Although Haji arrived in December, guests could only catch a glimpse of him in the past several weeks. During that time, Haji and Mekita have been going through introductions — comparable to a chaperoned courtship — in their indoor quarters. Introducing lions to new companions and habitats can be a lengthy process. 

Ireland said Haji and Mekita would eventually be able to roam the habitat together as they become more comfortable with each other. 

“We are seeing some positive signs in their introductions, such as vocalizations to each other,” she said. 

Lion prides in the wild comprise a dominant male, several females, and their offspring. They may sleep up to 20 hours per day. Lions are native to the savannahs and grasslands of Africa and can reach speeds up to 50 mph for very short bursts.

A lion’s average lifespan in the wild is about 10-15 years. Male lions under human care have a median life expectancy of 17 years. Males can weigh up to 570 pounds, while females weigh up to 277 pounds.

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NC Zoo Council approves ticket price increase

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The N.C. Zoo Council recently voted to approve an increase in the cost of admission to the North Carolina Zoo. The council, which is comprised of 15 members appointed by the governor to oversee the operation and development of the zoo, held a virtual meeting to discuss the matter on February 8. According to Pat Simmons, Director and CEO of the North Carolina Zoo, “zoo funding comes 50% from the State with the other 50% from gate ticket sales,” but the cost of running the zoo has gone up over the years. Revenue from ticket sales has not grown to match the increased maintenance cost. The North Carolina Zoo’s proposal, which was approved, will increase the in-person ticket prices from $15 to $20 for adult admission. In addition, it also recommends a new seasonal rate to accommodate the fact that many African animals’ habitat requirements change in the colder months. Finally, a fixed discounted rate of $5 per person was proposed for holders of electronic benefit cards to make it easier for economically disadvantaged populations to enjoy a day at the zoo. The approved proposal has been sent to the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for a final decision. If approved, the price changes could go into effect as early as mid-March.

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Lion adjusts to NC Zoo

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Haji is settling in at the North Carolina Zoo.

Haji, a male lion, came to the zoo in Asheboro in early December. He was designated to be a new companion to a female lion, Mekita. The zoo last week provided information that pointed out that Haji had his first steps in his new habitat.

Haji and Meita are alternating schedules in the habitat as they get to know each other. Haji is almost three years old. He was born at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. Haji means “journey.”

Also, the zoo will be closed Jan. 23-27 for staff training and maintenance.

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NC Zoo hits new milestone for attendance

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Visitors celebrate the 48th birthday of C’sar, an African elephant, on Monday morning at North Carolina Zoo, where officials have reported record attendance during the past year. (PJ Ward-Brown/Randolph Record)

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo has been busier than ever this past year.

The NC Zoo announced for the fiscal year ending June 30 that more than 1 million visitors entered the gates. The previous high for a fiscal year was 879,990 in 2018-19, based on numbers listed in the announcement.

“We’re thrilled to welcome so many guests from North Carolina and around the world,” NC Zoo director Pat Simmons said in a statement. “We are constantly striving to build upon our success through growing our programs and making our guest experience better than ever.”

It potentially could become even busier for NC Zoo.

“We’re super excited for the Zoo,” said Linda Brown, president of the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce. “The city (of Asheboro) and the Zoo are doing so much to enhance and improve the facilities.”

Repeated inquiries to NC Zoo for additional information regarding the attendance didn’t receive responses, or NC Zoo officials reached were unwilling to provide more insight earlier this week. 

Amber Scarlett, executive director of the Asheboro-based Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau, said tourism practically doubled from 2020 to 2021 in the region. She called NC Zoo the key tourism attraction in Randolph County.

“Bringing new and return visitors to our area to not only explore the extraordinary habitats of animals and plants, but also allowing families to affordably create memories,” Scarlett said. “We look forward to even more economic impact from the Zoo’s expansion in upcoming years.”

There could be several factors in the soaring attendance that has been announced by NC Zoo.

It apparently was a fast rise for NC Zoo, which closed operations to the public on March 17, 2020, because of Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

About two months later – June 15, 2020 – NC Zoo reopened to the public, but with new procedures in place. It wasn’t until July 1, 2021, that NC Zoo returned to normal operations with no capacity limits.

With a new Asia zone for NC Zoo in the works, that’s bound to increase traffic as a tourist attraction. Groundbreaking for that is expected later this summer, with that area opening in 2026.

“That makes the Zoo an overnight destination,” Brown said of the addition.

That Asia zone will be the first new continent added to NC Zoo since the North America continent opened in 1994.

On Monday, NC Zoo celebrated the 48th birthday of C’sar, an African elephant.

From April through October, entry to the zoo comes from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The zoo closes at 5 p.m. From November through March, zoo entrance is permitted from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with a 4 p.m. closing.

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Zoo collecting cell phones … for gorillas

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo is asking people to donate old cell phones, tablets or music players such as iPods to help gorillas around the world. The initiative, known as Gorillas on the Line … Answer the Call, is part of a worldwide project to protect gorilla habitats.

A key component to cell phone electronics is a metal called coltan. One of the few places it can be mined is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the mining destroys habitats.

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Hiring issues impact Zoo

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ASHEBORO — At the same time the North Carolina Zoo is seeing a huge increase in visitors compared with last year, it’s struggling to find staff to keep all of its exhibits open. Most attractions are open, but certain features like an obstacle course and feeding activities have remained closed. Twenty people recently turned out for a job fair with dozens of open positions. Many of the jobs at the zoo are part time, temporary and pay about $10 to $12 per hour.

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