NC Zoo Ranks Among Top 10 in USA Today’s 2025 Best Zoo Awards

ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — After breaking into the top 10 last year, the North Carolina Zoo has once again been recognized among the best zoos in the nation.

USA Today announced the results of its 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards on March 19, with the North Carolina Zoo placing No. 7 in the Best Zoo category and No. 5 for Best Zoo Membership. The annual rankings are determined by public voting from a list of expert-nominated finalists and are published on USA Today’s 10Best website.

Located in Randolph County, the North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the United States and one of only two state-supported zoos. In recent years, the zoo has seen steady growth in attendance, welcoming more than 1 million guests in 2022. The zoo marked its 50th anniversary in 2024 and celebrated a pair of milestones: surpassing 1 million annual visitors once again and welcoming its 20 millionth guest since opening.

This year’s top-10 placement marks the zoo’s second consecutive year in the national rankings. In 2024, the NC Zoo debuted at No. 3 — its highest ranking to date. 

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the nation's top 10 and deeply appreciate the support and dedication from our zoo guests and community,” the zoo shared in a Facebook post.

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium claimed the top spot for Best Zoo in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Other consistent high performers include the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado, which have also placed in the top five each year.

The full list of winners is available at 10best.usatoday.com.