RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources will open the North Carolina Zoo’s new Asia expansion on March 1, 2027. The new continent will be the Zoo’s first major development in more than 30 years. The last was the North America Continent section in 1994.
“Anna and I treasured our trips to the North Carolina Zoo with our kids when they were young,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The experience for North Carolina families is going to be even more magical with the new Asia habitat opening next spring. This world-class expansion will bring more visitors to our state, support local businesses, and foster state pride for generations to come.”
“Our North Carolina Zoo attracts over a million guests each year for a reason,” said DNCR Secretary Pamela Cashwell. “As the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, it blends nature, art, history, and wildlife conservation in ways that delight and inspire across generations. DNCR is excited to see the Zoo enhance its award-winning educational programs and create fresh opportunities for North Carolinians to experience this incredible state resource.”
The 12.5-acre Asia region will feature innovative habitat designs and bring nearly 50 new species to the Zoo, including critically endangered Malayan tigers, Visayan warty pigs, white-cheeked gibbons, and Chinese alligators, among others. Bird and reptile enthusiasts will also be able to enjoy close-up views of vibrant and elusive species from across Asia, including Komodo dragons, demoiselle cranes, blue-crowned laughingthrush, king cobras, four-eyed turtles, crocodile monitors, and more.
“We can’t wait for guests to meet these enchanting residents, learn from them, and discover ways to protect their wild habitats and cousins,” says Zoo Director and CEO Dr. Mark Penning. “Asia marks an important milestone in the Zoo’s 52-year history. The expansion will utilize new technology, showcase the Zoo’s most extensive botanical garden with more than 6,000 new plants, and invite guests to look high, low, and all around as they explore new pathways and ideas.”
For more information, visit nczoo.org and follow the Zoo's official social media accounts for the latest updates on the Asia Expansion.
