Tregembo Animal Park

Needed a break from unpacking this afternoon, so I fulfilled a promise to my daughter to drop in at Tregembo Animal Park, touted as North Carolina’s oldest zoo and only about a mile from our new homestead. What is amusing about this place is the entrance - a huge, gaudy lion’s head with jaws agape. Fortunately this is very noticeable, because I’ve been relying on that guy to alert me where to turn off the main road and get home!

Coincidentally, the park was started by a guy from Maine (where our daughter was born) and has remained a family affair for over fifty years now. The park is very well maintained and the animals appear well cared for – somewhat an exception for this type of attraction. They actually have an impressive variety of critters, each documented by a placard giving some background on habitat and where their native stomping grounds are on the globe.

They sell bags of corn or peanuts for $1 at the entrance, and each pen also indicates whether the animal can enjoy one, both or neither of these treats. There is also a small building displaying a bunch of odd curios (masks, and a bunch of stuff you’d expect to see in one of those Ripley’s Believe-It-Or-Not places). A bit bizarre, but added to the charm of this unusual destination. The entrance is also a substantial gift shop, though I’m not much of a shopper so I can’t say how good/bad the wares they offer are.

Admission was $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (55+) and $6 for kids under 12. Recommended if you are in the area and have children who enjoy animals!