North Carolina Zoo

[Tapio]

I just finished an extremely disappointing trip to the zoo in Asheboro today. Is there an opportune time to go there? I was there waiting at the gate when they opened but it filled up with people very quick.

Many exhibits were closed, in some the animals were not present, and many animals were curled up asleep....

Is there an opportune time to go? Do they have a time for photographers only?

Tim Tapio
Raeford, NC

[Photobiologist]

Yep, it can be VERY, VERY busy people-wise there - especially on a weekend, and weekends (like Easter) when family members are in town can be worse!

My "best" picture-taking trips to the NC Zoo have been during the week, and rainy and/or COLD weather has been even better. I think you were there at the right time (when they open), but the wrong day of the week...

Some weekdays can get crowded in some areas with school groups, so weekdays aren't always "non-busy".

There is a photo workshop associated with the zoo a couple of times a year, but I can't remember the details.

I hope you have better luck on your next visit!

[jbsteinke]

I happen to live right between both the NC Zoo in Asheboro, and Riverbanks, in Columbia SC. I often will choose Riverbanks over the NC Zoo, just because the exhibits have the animals much closer for easier viewing and photographing.

However, on my last trip to the NC Zoo, I was able to snap a few of the newly born lion cubs (this has been over 2 years ago). It was rainy and the middle of the week....so very few people.

[k.liscinsky]

The week-ends are probably the bad time since it can get crowded early. It was mentioned about a photo safari twice a year. There is one this week-end (18th) but they fill up fast. I have done several of them and you get some priority to certain exhibits but then it gets crowded fast.

Adult Photo Safari – Spend the day with professional photographer Vinny Colucci learning ways to capture memorable photographs of wildlife.

It cost but lunch is included. You can check her: http://www.nczoo.com/

There will be another on in the fall usually October.

I use to go during the week at opening and had some luck.

[ngass]

The zoo in Ashborough tries to keep it's animals as healthy and happy as possible, so the have large enclosures, etc. Consequently, it is like photographing in the field. You don't know what you are going to see any given day.

I reccomend trying the aviary. The birds there are easy to approach and there are no barriers, for the most part. The birds also have regular rhythems you can learn. The zoo is a great place, but you should visit early or late an a rainy or cloudy day. There are less people then and the animals are more active.

Another tip: Don't just look in the enclosures. There are ratsnakes, birds, skinks, racerunners (Very uncommon in that part of N.C.) and anoles off the paths sometimes.

Here is one of my photos from the zoo, just to show there are good opportunities there. Don't get discouraged!