North Carolina Zoo leaders are looking at new ways to generate revenue. In recent years the state budget has had less and less money for the zoo. Public money s for about 60 percent of their budget. The remainder comes from park sales and private donations. The zoo is currently one of two state-owned zoos in the United States. Traditionally a trip to the zoo in Asheboro has been a day trip for families. Officials want to change that by adding additional attractions such as a water park, an Asian continent exhibit or a hotel. Zoo Director David Jones says the zoo needs to evolve to survive.
David Jones: "We've got to find new sources of income. and with new sources of attendance and people coming to do things sixteen hours a day"
Last year, the zoo purchased new land adjacent to its existing property making it the nation's largest. Only a quarter of the property is currently developed. The current plans for the undeveloped area involve nature trails and stream preservation.
