My family has traveled to the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro quite a few times over the years. One of my all-time favorite spots is home to beautiful birds and a plethora of plants.
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| Pink Flamingos in front of NC Zoo Aviary © Photo by Katrena |
Before you enter the aviary, you'll see several pink flamingos to the right. They can be a lot of fun to watch.
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| Panama Poison Golden Dart Frog © Photo by Katrena |
The aviary has two entrance doors; between the doors one can see colorful frogs. My nephew is in Panama with the Peace Corps and I recognized a picture of a frog he saw and photographed because I had seen one in the zoo frog exhibits.
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| Victoria-crowned Pigeon © Photo by HMW |
I particularly like the aviary because folks have the opportunity to stand within the exhibit while the birds fly, walk, hop, and swim all around visitors.
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| NC Zoo Aviary © Photo by Katrena |
Visitors have the opportunity to see birds we are unlikely to see without extensive traveling. Sometimes a zoo staff member will offer additional information about particular birds or flowers, conservation and protection efforts, and more.
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| Learning About Birds at North Carolina Zoo © Photo by Katrena |
The lush landscaping offers a meandering trail with quaint bridges, overlooks, and lots of twists and turns. It is paved and handicap accessible. If a storm puts a damper on the trip, the aviary provides a great place to get out of the rain.
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| Beautiful Landscaping at NC Zoo Aviary © Photo by Katrena |
If you take the time to look, you will see vertical gardens on the walls and nice little surprises like orchids peeking from the shadows.
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| Purple Glossy Starling © Photo by Katrena |
We have visited the zoo in all seasons. When outside temperatures are 100 degrees in the shade, the aviary offers an oasis from the relentless sun and heat. Several vents on the floor blow air that feels great on a hot summer day.
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| Mousebird © Photo by Katrena |
When outside temperatures are very chilly, this indoor exhibit has always been open. Some animal exhibits, particularly on the Africa side, close on cold days. The temperatures in the aviary remain comfortable year-round.
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| Blue-crowned Laughing Thrush, a Critically Endangered Bird at NC Zoo © Photo by Katrena |
Even on very crowded days, and we've been to the zoo at super busy times like Easter week, it is nice to be able to see the animals and landscaping up close without waiting in a line. When the zoo is very crowded, it can be difficult to get up close to viewing areas on some outdoor exhibits.
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| Scarlet Ibis Photo by HMW |
The aviary includes benches. This can be quite helpful and relaxing after walking through Africa or North America at the NC Zoo.
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| Paradise Tanager © Photo by Katrena |
The aviary is especially fun to visit during feeding times. The birds become quite animated as zoo employees refill the food supplies in various locations throughout the exhibit.
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| Eclectus Parrot Photo by HMW |
Many of the birds have their favorite spots, and it is interesting to slow down and look around at the various feathered friends. Don't forget to look on the ground, particularly near feeding areas.
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| See Unusual Geese, Teals, & Ducks at NC Zoo © Photo by Katrena |
The zoo does a great job with educational exhibits and includes photo guides including pictures and names of the birds. An
aviary bird guide can also be found on the zoo web site.
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| Favorite Places at NC Zoo in Asheboro © Photo by Katrena |
Some of the plants also include labels, which is very helpful to those of us who don't know many of the plant names. The labels include interesting tidbits about those plants as well.
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| Indoor Exhibits at NC Zoo © Photo by Katrena |
If you are visiting the zoo, I would highly recommend going in the aviary unless you are scared of birds. The exhibit is located on the Africa side near Junction Plaza. There is no extra charge to visit the aviary.
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| Crested Coua © Photo by Katrena |
Another indoor exhibit, the Sonoma Desert, is similar to the aviary but has a very different mix of fauna and animals. That exhibit includes a roadrunner, owl, a few elusive hummingbirds, and other birds and animals one might see in a desert setting.
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| Orchids in the NC Zoo Aviary © Photo by Katrena |
Additional articles
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| Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot © Photo by Katrena |
Thanks so much for visiting my
Travel NC With Kids blog. If you have ever been to the NC Zoo, have you visited the aviary? What is your favorite bird? The comment section is at the bottom of the article.
