ASHEBORO — In November 2022, N.C. State University convened a task force to address mental health and wellbeing needs and issues on campus and explore additional opportunities to improve student wellness.
Now, in 2024, the university is incorporating a unique approach as part of a collaboration with the North Carolina Zoo and NC Zoo Society: Zoo-powered mental health and well-being days.
“We are so excited to impact a large number of students on such an important day.” states Lauren Stover, coordinator of Outdoor Adventures at N.C. State University.
Last year, a small group of N.C. State students attended the North Carolina Zoo for their school allotted mental health and well-being day, sparking a movement to bring more students to the Zoo in 2024.
The North Carolina Zoo Society Board of Directors answered the call by working closely with NC State to make the arrangements. In total, nearly 500 students signed up for the planned day at the Zoo on Feb. 13. Led by the Board, generous donors partnered with the NC Zoo Society and N.C. State to cover costs associated with transportation, admission, and meals — meaning the trip is offered at zero cost to the participating students.
John Ruffin, NC Zoo Society Board chair, states, “Through this pilot program, we will discover how to optimize the experience for the NCSU students and how to take the same experience to a statewide audience. Our goal is to see the opportunity replicated for as many of North Carolina’s college students as possible.”
The NC Zoo Society is the private, non-profit organization that raises funds to support the North Carolina Zoo and its missions in conservation, education, recreation, and research.
