Ways to honor Earth Day at the North Carolina Zoo

ASHEBORO — Earth Day is April 22. First celebrated on April 22, 1970, it has been observed by the North Carolina Zoo each year since 1996. 

This year is no different.

On Saturday, April 25, the Zoo has set up the AZA Party for the Planet and NC Science Festival.

What’s it about? 

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, zoo staff will be at Kidzone with tablets for guests to use to capture wildlife at the Zoo. There will be prizes for everyone who participates, including free pollinator plants, wildflower seeds, nature journals and more.

But you don’t have to wait until Saturday to celebrate Earth Day there. Visit the zoo any day to connect with nature, and learn about conservation efforts that help protect animals and their habitats. Every visit supports the Zoo’s mission to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire others to conserve the natural world.

While you’re there, here are a few ideas to check out.

Pawsitively adorable news

Sand cat Sahara gave birth to two kittens on Feb. 

26. Guests can now spot mom and her little ones in the Desert Dome as the adorable duo begin to explore their new world.

New to the Zoo

Say hello to Twig and Willow, two white-nosed coati and the newest residents at the Zoo. These curious, daytime explorers are always on the move, climbing, digging and showing off their playful personalities. Keep an eye out for them in the Desert Dome during your next visit.

Twig and Willow are white-nosed coati (pronounced koh-WAH-tee). The male, Twig, came from Brevard Zoo, and female, Willow, from El Paso Zoo. 

Coati are diurnal, meaning unlike their relative the raccoon, they are active during the day. These social mammals are known to be curious and active, spending time grooming one another and using their long snouts to dig in search of a favorite snack … bugs! They are excellent climbers, so be prepared to look for them all around their habitat.

Take a hike

Looking to explore off the beaten path? The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of scenic hiking trails through forests, along creeks, and up to beautiful overlooks. With options ranging from short connector paths to longer nature trails, there’s something for every level of adventurer (and it’s free!).

■ Hiking Trails at the North Carolina Zoo

— Purgatory Mountain Trails, Map. Location: North end of the North America parking lot.

The Purgatory Mountain Trails are open year-round on days the Zoo is open: April-October, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; November-March, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Those trails consist of a network of four trails totaling nearly 5 miles that meander through mature hardwood forests, across small creeks, past rock formations and reach the summits of Purgatory Mountain (945 ft) and Middle Mountain (835 ft). Leashed dogs are allowed.

— Parking Lot Connector Trail, Map. Locations: North America trailhead, Solar Pointe picnic area at the south end of the North America parking lot; Africa trailhead, North end of the Africa parking lot

The Parking Lot Connector Trail is open March 15-Nov. 15 on days the Zoo is open: March 15-Nov. 15, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Parking Lot Connector Trail links the North America and Africa parking lots, and signage is posted at both trailheads. This trail is 0.7 miles in length and has a fine gravel surface and some moderate slopes. It offers an alternative way to get between the North America and Africa parking lots. No pets are allowed.