Get ready to experience wildlife in the Carolinas like never before…
The Carolinas aren’t just known for their stunning beaches, charming towns, and southern hospitality—they’re also home to some incredible wildlife conservation efforts. Whether you're passionate about primates, sea turtles, or big cats, there are places across North and South Carolina where you can get up close with animals while supporting vital conservation missions. From lemurs in Durham to sea turtles in Surf City, here’s a fun look at four fantastic wildlife centers that are making a big impact.
Duke Lemur Center
Durham, North Carolina
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to swing through the trees like a lemur, the Duke Lemur Center is your chance to find out—without the acrobatics, of course! Located at Duke University in Durham, this center is a haven for the world’s largest population of lemurs outside Madagascar. Their mission? To preserve these quirky primates through research and conservation, while educating the public about their endangered status.
Meet the playful residents at the Duke Lemur Center!
You’ll get a chance to see lemurs in their habitats, hopping and leaping in ways that’ll make you wish you had more than two legs. Guided tours are available, so you can learn all about their behaviors and the critical work being done to protect them. Be sure to plan ahead and book your tour online, as space is limited. With its interactive programs and volunteer opportunities, it’s an inspiring spot for anyone interested in helping wildlife.
Go there: 3705 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Learn more: lemur.duke.edu
Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Surf City, North Carolina
Turtles may not be the fastest creatures around, but they are definitely some of the most fascinating. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City is all about saving these ancient reptiles. This nonprofit sanctuary plays a key role in rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles. Most of the patients here have been caught in fishing nets, hit by boats, or harmed by ocean pollution—issues the center is working tirelessly to address.
Visitors can tour the rehabilitation tanks and see the turtles up close, learning about the efforts to protect their nests and hatchlings. There are also educational talks and volunteer programs for those who want to dive deeper into turtle conservation. Summer is the best time to visit when the turtles are most active, and it’s a great way to show your support for these incredible creatures. Reservations are required.
Go there: 302 Tortuga Ln, Surf City, NC 28445
Learn more: seaturtlehospital.org
Carolina Raptor Center
Huntersville, North Carolina
Just a short drive from Charlotte, the Carolina Raptor Center is a sanctuary where you can soar with the birds—well, sort of! The center focuses on rehabilitating birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and owls, and it offers a unique opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts underway to protect these majestic raptors. It’s an exciting place for bird lovers, and the best part? Many of the birds are on display in outdoor aviaries, so you can see them in their natural habitats.
On a visit, you’ll have the chance to see these magnificent predators up close, and you might even catch a live flight demonstration, where birds take to the skies in a display of their hunting prowess. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or signing up for an educational program, the Carolina Raptor Center is a must-see for anyone fascinated by birds of prey.
Go there: 6000 Sample Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Learn more: carolinaraptorcenter.org
Tiger World
Rockwell, North Carolina
Looking to get up close and personal with some big cats? Just outside of Charlotte in Rockwell, North Carolina, Tiger World offers hands-on experiences with some of the most incredible animals on the planet—tigers, lions, reptiles, birds, and even leopards! The center focuses on exotic animal conservation and rescue, giving a home to animals that were previously neglected, abused, or illegally held as pets. It's the perfect family-friendly outing with fun for all ages.
Nap. Rinse. (Eat). Repeat. A perfect summer day in the life of an exotic tiger at TigerWorld.
At Tiger World, you can do more than just look from a distance. The center offers feeding tours and behind-the-scenes experiences where you can meet the animals face-to-face. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just love learning, a visit here is an unforgettable experience. Check their website for hours, special events, and availability for animal interactions—it’s a great way to support the animals and get an insider’s look at what makes them so special.
Go there: 4400 Cook Rd, Rockwell, NC 28138
Learn more: tigerworld.us
