Tregembo Animal Park photo
ZooNorth Carolina, US

Tregembo Animal Park

Tregembo Animal Park is Southeastern North Carolina's oldest family-owned zoo, offering visitors an engaging journey into the animal kingdom.

About

Tregembo Animal Park is Southeastern North Carolina's oldest family-owned zoo, offering visitors an engaging journey into the animal kingdom. With over 100 species calling the park home, guests can marvel at a diverse collection of exotic and domestic animals, from majestic big cats to playful primates and towering giraffes. The park strives to provide an enriching experience, allowing for close-up observations and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife. Visitors to Tregembo Animal Park can look forward to interactive encounters that create lasting memories, such as the chance to hand-feed giraffes, observe lemurs up close, and pet various domestic animals in the petting zoo. Beyond the animal exhibits, the park features a 4,000-square-foot gift shop filled with souvenirs and a mini-museum where guests can explore ancient artifacts, dinosaur bones, and fossils. Informative signs and readily available staff enhance the educational aspect of the visit, making it an ideal destination for curious minds of all ages. While the park has a long history and has faced past criticisms regarding animal welfare, recent reviews often praise the staff and animal care, noting well-fed and seemingly happy animals in a variety of exhibits. The Tregembo family has expressed a commitment to continually improving the facility, aiming to enhance enclosure sizes and focus on education. This dedication makes Tregembo Animal Park a vibrant spot for families and animal lovers seeking an accessible wildlife adventure in Wilmington. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

Tregembo Animal Park began its journey in 1952, founded by George and June Tregembo under the original name "Tote-Em-In Zoo". Initially, it showcased a combination of animals and unique "oddities." The Tregembo family has continuously owned and operated the facility at the same Wilmington location for over 70 years. In 2004, the park was renamed Tregembo Animal Park. Following a period where the facility was leased, the Tregembo family re-assumed operations in 2003 with a renewed focus on education and intentions to enlarge the park and expand animal enclosures. While the park has encountered past criticisms and USDA citations regarding animal welfare, particularly concerning older enclosure conditions, current visitor feedback and the park's stated mission emphasize ongoing efforts to improve animal living conditions and educational offerings.

What to do here

Explore animal exhibits, enjoy interactive encounters, visit the gift shop, and discover the mini-museum.

Seasonal info

The park operates seasonally. It's open daily during the summer (Late March to Labor Day). In the fall (September and October), it's open only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. The park closes for the winter season from November to mid-March. All operating hours are weather permitting.

Accessibility

While specific details on wheelchair accessibility are not explicitly provided, the park generally offers walkable paths suitable for exploring the exhibits.

Don't miss

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Observe over 100 species, including giraffes, lions, tigers (such as the White Bengal Tiger and Siberian Tiger), zedonks, Prehensile-tail Porcupines, Snow Macaques, Two-toed Sloths, and Alligators.

2

Engage in interactive experiences like hand-feeding giraffes, getting close to lemurs, and interacting with domestic animals in the petting zoo.

3

Explore the 4,000-square-foot gift shop for souvenirs.

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Discover the mini-museum, featuring dinosaur bones, fossils, and historical information.

Wildlife you might spot

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Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Snap map for this place

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Good to know before you go

Check Seasonal Hours

Arrive Early

Bring Feeding Money

Explore the Extras

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Photography is Welcome

Frequently asked questions

Tregembo Animal Park is home to over 100 species of animals, encompassing mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Visitors can expect to see prominent residents like giraffes, lions, tigers (including White Bengal and Siberian tigers), zedonks, Two-toed Sloths, and various types of monkeys and alligators.
Tregembo Animal Park operates seasonally. During the summer season, from late March to Labor Day, the park is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last admission at 3 pm. In the fall, during September and October, the park is open only on Saturdays and Sundays, also from 10 am to 4 pm. The park closes for the winter season, typically from November to mid-March.
Yes, Tregembo Animal Park provides several interactive opportunities. Guests can hand-feed giraffes, have close encounters with lemurs, and pet a variety of domestic animals in the petting zoo, enhancing the visitor experience.

Recent snaps at this place

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