The newest section of the North Carolina Zoo finally has an opening date.

The newest section of the North Carolina Zoo finally has an opening date.

After state budget-related delays, the zoo announced Monday that its new Asia section will open on March 1, 2027. It marks the first major expansion to the zoo in over 30 years, since North America was added in 1994. The 12.5-acre Asia region will feature innovative habitat designs and bring nearly 50 new species to the zoo, including critically endangered Malayan tigers, Visayan warty pigs, white-cheeked gibbons and Chinese alligators.

Bird and reptile enthusiasts will also get close-up views of species from across Asia, including Komodo dragons, demoiselle cranes, blue-crowned laughing thrush, king cobras, four-eyed turtles and crocodile monitors. "We can't wait for guests to meet these enchanting residents, learn from them, and discover ways to protect their wild habitats and cousins," said Zoo Director and CEO Mark Penning. The expansion will also showcase the zoo's most extensive botanical garden, with more than 6,000 new plants.

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Source note: Star News TV · Oct 6, 2026 11:40 PM.