Zoo Tales

CHANGING SEASONS AT THE NC ZOO

by Kristsen Daukas

Fall is slowly making its way to us, which means leaves will start turning, temperatures will begin to drop and the sun will start setting earlier. It also means it is time for some of the most anticipated events of the year at the North Carolina Zoo. Join us to celebrate the changing seasons at these Zoo events you will not want to miss!

First up, our Fall Plant Sale will happen on Saturday, September 17th from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm, in the Africa parking lot. A wide variety of plants cultivated by our horticulture experts will be showcased and available for purchase. The plant species offered for sale varies each year and this year’s sale will include a collection of plants from the Aviary. We encourage people to come early as the event is first come, first served and is always very popular. Come and see what delights we have for your home or garden and take home a piece of the Zoo! Please note that all purchases must be made by cash or check, as

we are not set up to take credit or debit cards at this time.

Next, the REMC Drive Electric event will take place on Saturday, September 30th from 9:00 am until Noon, in the North America parking lot. This free public event, sponsored by the Randolph Electric Membership Cooperative, will showcase the environmental and costsaving benefits of driving electric vehicles. Members of the Triad EV Association will be on-hand to discuss the benefits of electric vehicles and share insights about their experiences as EV owners.

This event highlights two of the North Carolina Zoo’s focal points: conservation and sustainability. It also gives the public a chance to check out some really cool rides!

The electric vehicles expected to be on display include dealership models as well as some privately owned ones. Some of the vehicles expected to be shown include: 2022 Volvo xc40 Recharge 2020 Chevrolet Bolt 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E 2021 Polestar 2 2022 Rivian R1T 2019 Tesla Model 3 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Though the REMC Drive Electric event is free, advance registration is required and you can RSVP here.

With Fall approaching, Halloween is just around the corner! The N.C. Zoo will hold its annual Boo at the Zoo event over two weekends in October, on the 15th & 16th, and the 22nd & 23rd. The festivities will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on each of those days. Boo will include trick-or-treating on the winding pathways of Africa, as well as fun games, engaging entertainment and exciting costume contests in the amphitheater!

The cost to attend Boo at the Zoo is $5 for Zoo Society members and $8 for non-members. Wristbands for Boo may be purchased at the Africa entrance or the Junction entertainment ticket booth. Boo is not included with general admission to the Zoo, so be sure to get your wristbands before joining in the festivities.

Come celebrate the excitement of the season with the family fun of Boo at the Zoo!