NC Zoo news: Gazelle babies, $5 admission week, Quiet Day

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo recently celebrated the birth of three critically endangered Addra gazelle calves, officials announced this week.

Announced on Facebook, the births include two males and one female, all delivered on habitat in the zoo’s Watani Grasslands.

The calves may be difficult for visitors to spot at first. Keepers said newborn Addra gazelles spend much of their early days “tucked” — hidden in tall grasses — a natural behavior that helps protect them from predators in the wild. The zoo says visitors hoping to catch a glimpse should bring binoculars and patience.

An easier way to see one of the calves is through a recent episode of the zoo’s online education series, Zoo EDventures, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at a neonatal exam for the youngest calf. During the exam, the veterinary team checked the calf’s eyes, ears and mouth; evaluated joint alignment; monitored the heart and lungs; collected blood to confirm normal glucose levels; and completed required microchipping and vaccination. Veterinarians said the calf is healthy and nursing well. She is also the first female Addra gazelle born at the zoo this season.

According to the zoo, Addra gazelles typically stand about 3.5 feet tall, weigh around 135 pounds and live about 11 years. The animals are adapted for life in hot climates, with long, slender legs that help dissipate heat. Males are known to aggressively defend territory during the breeding season.

The Addra gazelle, also known as the dama gazelle, is listed as critically endangered. The North Carolina Zoo participates in international conservation efforts for the species, including managed breeding programs aimed at maintaining a genetically healthy population.

Currently, only a few small populations remain in parts of the Sahara and Sahel. Zoo officials said the births are a significant boost for the species.

$5 admission week begins on Dec. 15

ASHEBORO — As a Christmas present to the community, the North Carolina Zoo is offering $5 admission all next week.

The Jingle in the Jungle rate will be available from Monday to Fri­day, Dec. 15 through 19.

Tickets can only be pur­chased at the North America entrance; no online sales or additional discounts.

The zoo is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry cutoff at 3 p.m. Visitors must park and enter the Zoo through North America, where the entire park, including Africa, is still accessible. The winter hours are in effect until April 1 when they will expand to 5 p.m. every day.

The zoo will be closed on Christmas Day.

Final Quiet Day for 2025 is on Dec. 16

ASHEBORO — The Zoo’s last monthly Quiet Day 

is set for Tuesday, Dec. 16. That’s when the zoo becomes more sensory friendly for visitors.

There’s no loud music or messaging played anywhere in the zoo on Quiet Days, and no larger reservations are allowed on that monthly set-aside day to also help keep the noise down.

In addition, quiet play experiences are set up from 10a.m. to 2 p.m. in children areas and sensory bags are free for checkout.