[RiDeWaRrIoR]

I am planning a trip to the Zoo next week with my kids and I just wanted to know if any of you have any advice or anything about going. I am thinking about the asheboro zoo instead of columbia, does anyone have an opinion of which is better? I know my wife has been to columbia a few years ago, but never to asheboro. I think asheboro may be a little closer and its a bit cheaper as well. My 4 year old wants to see flamingos so I hope they have them!

[TrojanCamMan]

The Columbia zoo has TONS of Flamingos.

[Jay]

Flamingos at NC Zoo:



NC Zoo way to go.

[arby]

We think the Asheboro zoo is better with 'natural' habitat. It's more spread out and there is a lot of walking there. This is the time of year to go. It always seems excessively hot there in the summer so we go in the spring, fall, or winter.

We also like the Columbia zoo, but if you haven't been to Asheboro I suggest that. What we do is join the NC Zoo Society every few years. It's $59 a year for a family membership, and gets you in all year for free. It also gets you into over a hundred other zoos for free or half price. We buy it and make sure we take a trip over to the coast to visit one of the aquariums for free with our membership.

[PhantomCat]

I've seen both. I think Columbia is bigger but Asheboro is not to be missed either, especially if you haven't seen it.

There are rumors circulating that a big zoo is being planned for Charlotte, NC. We'll all have to keep our ears open for more news about it. I have a niece in college studying to be a veterinarian and of course she heard about it first, she will be needing a job once she graduates.

[billcollins531]

I've been to the Asheboro zoo and I really enjoyed my time there. Parts of it reminded me of Animal Kingdom at Disney, except without all the rides. The time to go is definitely around this time of year with everything starting to bud out. I went one year and walked through the butterfly bush area - it was almost like I walked into a fantasy book: there were butterflies EVERYWHERE. I say that with as much masculinity as possible. I haven't been to the Columbia zoo, but I definitely recommend the Asheboro zoo - especially during the springtime.

[intimidator rider]

I went last year in August It's a great zoo to go to it takes all day to get though the whole zoo make sure you get there early to get a early start

[PhantomCat]

I haven't been to the Asheboro Zoo in a while. Does anyone know if they still have the bird building where all types of birds fly around right over your head. Some get really close too. That was certainly a highlight of my trip there. The butterflies were neat also. No testosterone needed Mr. Collins. We like what I like!

[jeffdavis]

We went to the NC Zoo most recently on 4/3/11. Definitely avoid hot weather and definitely get an early start. Consider joining the zoo society, we did, as another poster mentioned it gets you in many zoos free, and some half off. It is a lot of walking but that shouldn't be such a big deal to amusement park enthusiasts - just wear comfortable shoes. You're allowed to take in a plastic bottle with a non-alcoholic beverage and there are a lot of water fountains. The aviary is fantastic! Take time to enjoy the plant species in the Aviary, African Pavilion, and Sonora Desert buildings - this zoo spends more money on plants than animals, I was told. The kid zone has some nice features but is closed for 2011 for improvements. Avoid the shuttle unless there's some time issue getting to the parking lot at the end of the day because you see so much more on foot and the distance from the shuttle stops isn't far enough to justify waiting for it, unless you just can't walk anymore!

The Charlotte Zoological Park is a project that doesn't even have a site yet (last I checked) and has been trying to raise money from the public fairly unsuccessfully. As much as I'd like a great zoo much closer to home, it's hard to justify with the amazing zoos we have in Asheboro, Columbia, and Greenville.

[jeffdavis]

And yes, the bird building is still there (Aviary) - but I think I also remember "loose" birds in the African Pavilion and maybe the Sonora Desert.

And the $2 giraffe deck is not always a good buy - they can be on the other end of the exhibit and the deck doesn't help your view at all then - so just ask the deck attendant before paying.

[RiDeWaRrIoR]

Thanks for all of the replies and information! Thanks for the flamingo pic, Emma LOVED it hahaha. I think we will be goin to asheboro on Thursday, should be a good day to go just hope it dont rain. Thanks again everyone for all of the replies, helped me out a LOt. I will keep an eye out for info regarding a zoo in Charlotte as well.

[intimidator rider]

The Weather for Thursday high 77 low 54 Isolated Thunder Storms

[jeffdavis]

Our upcoming Charlotte zoo:

http://www.charlottezoologicalpark.org/

Before you click on the link, please turn a fan on to help with the hot air!

I really hope I'm wrong but I just don't see the funding with all of NC and Charlotte's financial struggles right now and the proximity of good zoos.

[PhantomCat]

You never know which way it will end up Mr. Davis.
It reminds me of the fight over the proposed baseball field. Don't even worry about it. If it happens it happens.

RideWarrior please let us know how your trip goes.

[RiDeWaRrIoR]

I will let you know