5 places in North Carolina to go when spring arrives

The start of the the Subway 400, NASCAR race, as the field races to the green flag February 22, 2004 at North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham, North Carolina. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
The start of the the Subway 400, NASCAR race, as the field races to the green flag February 22, 2004 at North Carolina Speedway, Rockingham, North Carolina. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
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African elephant Sophi roams her portion of the Indianapolis Zoo on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.Indianapolis Zoo African Elephants On Wednesday July 29 2020
African elephant Sophi roams her portion of the Indianapolis Zoo on Wednesday, July 29, 2020.Indianapolis Zoo African Elephants On Wednesday July 29 2020

Ashboro, NC Zoo is home to a diverse population of animals.

One of the largest zoos in the United States, the Ashland Zoo is separated into two adjoining habitats. Africa and North America. Find yourself face to face with black bears and polar bears, alligators, and one of the best chimpanzee and gorilla exhibits on the east coast.

The zoo is home to a large elephant exhibit and a free-roaming “savanna” for antelope, ostrich, giraffes, and rhinos. During the summer, you can feed the giraffes and get an up-close and personal experience with the majestic creatures.

While the zoo can be seen in one day, typically return visits are needed to really enjoy what the zoo has to offer which is far more than just saying you can see the animals. This zoo is an educational wonderland for children and adults alike.

The zoo recently announced that a third habitat will be ready by 2023 as construction on the new Asia habitat will provide guests with the opportunity to see tigers, komodo dragons, and red pandas.

The zoo is currently open but not all exhibits are open to the public due to renovations that are taking place. Still, there is plenty to see and do at the zoo but be warned, this zoo doesn’t serve alcohol…on a hot day, that kind of sucks.