Newsweek contest: NC Zoo is No. 1

ASHEBORO — The North Carolina Zoo has claimed the top spot in a nationwide contest for “Best Zoo” in the United States. 

Back in July, the North Carolina Zoo was nominated in the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards, and public voting took place from July 3-31.

Contest nominees were proposed and vetted by a panel of travel writers and tourism experts before a final voting selection was made by Newsweek editors. Top-10 results were made public on Aug. 8, with North Carolina Zoo ranking #1: 

      1. North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro
     2. Memphis Zoo in Memphis
     3. San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio
     4. Brookfield Zoo in Chicago
     5. Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in Denver
     6. Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo in Gulf Shores
     7. San Diego Zoo in San Diego
     8. The Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati
     9. St. Louis Zoo in St. Louis
   10. Audubon Zoo in New Orleans

This marks the second time in six months the North Carolina Zoo has taken home a “Top 10 Readers’ Choice" title in a nationwide contest. The honor could not have come at a better time for the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, which turned 50 earlier this month. 

“It is humbling to be recognized as ‘Best Zoo’ during our golden anniversary year when we are reflecting on our past and looking to the future,” North Carolina Zoo Director and CEO Patricia Simmons said. “The North Carolina Zoo set out over 50 years ago to create a zoo unlike any other, and we are deeply honored by the outpouring of love and support throughout this contest period and beyond.

“This award, like any accolades we receive as an organization, is dedicated to our Zoo Team members, community partners, generous donors and loyal guests who make the North Carolina Zoo an unforgettable place to work and visit.” 

To join the North Carolina Zoo in saving wildlife and wild places, visit the nation's "Best Zoo" or learn more at www.nczoo.org. 

One of only two state zoos in the country, the zoo falls under the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR). The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including:

— 27 historic sites.

— 7 history museums.

— 2 art museums.

— 5 science museums.

— 4 aquariums.

— 35 state parks.

— 4 recreation areas.

— Dozens of state trails and natural areas.

— The North Carolina Zoo.

— The State Library.

— The State Archives.

— The N.C. Arts Council.

— The African American Heritage Commission.

— The American Indian Heritage Commission.

— The State Historic Preservation Office.

— The Office of State Archaeology.

— The Highway Historical Markers program.

— The N.C. Land and Water Fund,.

— The Natural Heritage Program.

For more information, visit www.dncr.nc.gov.