ASHEBORO, N.C.-- The North Carolina Zoo is expanding.

• New attractions will be open this summer
• A butterfly garden and a treehouse for kids will soon be available 
• "Asia" could be ready for visitors as early as 2023

Officials plan to open several new attractions this summer including a new interactive exhibit in the African habitat, a butterfly garden, and a treehouse area for kids.

They're also finalizing plans to start building the long-awaited Asia continent.

Secretary of Natural and Cultural Resources Susi Hamilton said the zoo should be ready to break ground in the next couple years.

“We are continuing to expand and achieve our goals that were established so many decades ago for this part of the state,” she said.             

"Asia" could be ready for visitors as early as 2023. Officials are still establishing funding to add Australia as the fourth continent.