ASHEBORO, N.C. — Governor Cooper is looking to bring new life to the North Carolina state zoo for the first time since 1994, by proposing a new continent area.
Channel 9′s partners at the Charlotte Observer reported that Cooper’s proposed budget includes 50 full-time staff positions for the new Asia continent exhibit, which is set to open in 2026.
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The new Asia continent exhibit will join existing Africa and North America exhibits, making it the largest natural habitat at a zoo.
Cooper’s budget doesn’t stop at a new continent exhibit; funding will also be used to take down the old aviary building and design a replacement.
In addition to the state zoo upgrades, the governor has asked for an additional $25 million for the ‘Great Trails State Fund’, which will eventually connect all 100 North Carolina counties by trails.
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