Governor McCrory Unveils New Polar Bear Exhibit At N.C. Zoo | Eastern NC Now

    Asheboro, N.C. - North Carolina's expanded polar bear exhibit was unveiled today at the N.C. Zoo in Asheboro. Governor Pat McCrory was on hand to unveil the three-years-in-the-making, $8.5 million exhibit. The governor was joined by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary John Skvarla and Zoo Director David Jones.

    "The new, extensive polar bear habitat is a testament to the N.C. Zoo's passion, not just for animal care and stewardship, but for educating the public and getting visitors excited about wildlife and conservation," Governor McCrory said. "We look forward to the positive economic impact the exhibit will make on the region and state."

    The expansion triples the size of the zoo's polar bear exhibit and provides increased land space that includes a stream flowing through its center. State-of-the-art educational graphics and interactive computers tell the story of polar bears and their endangered status in the wild due to the loss of ice packs that provide their hunting grounds. The exhibit also features an indoor gallery with more educational graphics and television screens as well as glass viewing panels overlooking the exhibit and an artificial ice cave. Behind the scenes, the expanded facilities include larger and improved holding facilities and a special den for a mother with cubs.

    The zoo celebrated its 40th anniversary on Aug. 2, 2014. The first animals for opening day 40 years ago were kangaroos, ostriches, boa constrictors, tortoises, a rhinoceros and a zebra. Today, the zoo maintains 2,200 acres, including 500 acres of extensive exhibits.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov