North Carolina Zoo offering discount for people in FEMA qualifying counties for Hurricane Helene

ASHEBORO, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — People living in communities impacted by Hurrican Helene can visit the North Carolina Zoo at a discount over the next few weeks.

The Zoo announced Monday that it’s offering a discounted entrance fee of $5 per person. It usually costs $15 for ages 13-61, $11 for children 2-12 and $13 for ages 62 and older.

The special price runs through Nov. 15, and includes Mecklenburg County. Eligible guests may request the discount by displaying their valid NC photo ID indicating residence within one of the following NC counties , plus the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians:

Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

These are the same communities eligible for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

“Our hearts go out to our neighbors in Western North Carolina who are still suffering in the wake of Hurricane Helene,” says Zoo representative Sara Pack. “On behalf of the entire North Carolina Zoo team, we welcome individuals and families from affected communities to visit, explore, and recharge as they continue their long journey toward recovery.”

To claim the discount, visitors must present a valid form of a North Carolina ID indicating residence within the counties listed. The offer is extendable to up to five additional guests in the same party.

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