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We are hosting a foreign exchange student this summer who likes animals. I'm trying to plan some overnight trips and want to do one that includes a zoo. Asheboro doesn't really seem to lend itself to an overnight, and it is spread out and hot. My youngest was there recently and was sort of ho-hum about it.
So are there other zoos or animal attractions that would be worth an overnight in combination with another good American tourist spot? SOmething within 3-4 hours?
Of course, the National Zoo in DC is on the list, but I'm also looking for other options.
Haven't been there, but Columbia SC has a large zoo. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden :: Columbia, South Carolina
However, it would also be hot and most likely spread out like Asheboro. Don't see how you could have a modern zoo that wasn't spread out. The old fashioned zoos with animals lined up in cages seem to be out of favor.
Personally I think the NC Zoo is much better than the National Zoo. The zoo is spread out so the animals can live in environments that mimic their natural homes For something close to home that could easily be a half day trip, why not check out the tiger refuge in Pittsboro? They have lots of other big cats there and it's a pretty cool place. Carolina Tiger Rescue - Home Page
The Carolina Tiger Rescue is a great place! They offer feeding tours as well as the normal tours so that might be a unique experience for your exchange student. Carolina Tiger Rescue - Tours - Special Experiences
Why not a trip to the Outer Banks? You could head north of Corolla and try to see the wild horses, then you could go to the Aquarium in Manteo. On the way back from Manteo there's the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, which has endangered red wolves, bears, and other animals.
Again, it's not an overnight trip, but right in your area, the Duke Lemur Center is one of the most important and interesting animal research centers in the world. They conduct tours by appointment. Duke Lemur Center
I love the NC Zoo as well! I think it's much better and larger than a lot of zoos.
Have you looked into "Backstage Passes" offered by the NC Zoo? They take you "behind the scenes" of the zoo which would give a different perspective. I've never tried this, but they look like they would be fun and interesting for someone who likes animals. The cost is high, but the website says that most of the charge is tax deductible as a donation.
The NC Zoo is really nice, and I'm the type that normally finds zoos sad and depressing.
But if you really want an overnight trip with other touristy things to do, as you already mentioned DC would be a great area.
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For something close to home that could easily be a half day trip, why not check out the tiger refuge in Pittsboro? They have lots of other big cats there and it's a pretty cool place. 
