The North Carolina Zoo is now officially accredited as a Botanical Garden, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s memorable 50-year history. The North Carolina Zoo is one of only a handful of zoos nationwide to earn this distinction.
“Our dual status as both a Zoo and Botanical Garden reflects our long-standing commitment to conservation, education, and the preservation of diverse species, including plant life,” says Zoo Director and CEO Patricia Simmons. “This honor is well-deserved and highlights our Zoo’s essential role as a center for environmental education and responsible stewardship.”
According to Simmons, becoming a Botanical Garden has been a longtime goal and is a “cherry on top” of the Zoo’s golden anniversary year.
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), a membership organization representing botanic gardens in more than 100 countries, grants the zoo accreditation. According to BGCI, the North Carolina Zoo “conforms to the highest international standards” in plant conservation and care.
“This accomplishment would not be possible without the dedication, expertise, and tireless work of our Zoo's talented Horticulture team,” says Zoo representative Sara Pack. “Their passion for cultivating and showcasing the natural beauty of our landscapes has enriched the Zoo experience for staff and guests for many years. We are grateful to see their outstanding work professionally recognized and affirmed through this accreditation.”
To learn more about the Zoo’s plant collections, visit www.nczoo.org/experiences/gardens.
At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world's largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals in the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,700 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature's diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature's diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.