WNC Nature Center staff recount Helene response in their own words
The WNC NAture Center is back - hear, first hand, from those who helped facilitate this amazing reopening
WNC Nature Center is sad to share news of the passing of Leafa, the red panda
The Nature Center is sad to announce the passing of our female red panda, Leafa, whose health had declined over the past few months. Born in 2009 at the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND, Leafa and her male counterpart, Phoenix, came to the Nature Center from the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in 2018 as [...]
The WNC Nature Center celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2025 with a little help from their Friends
The WNC Nature Center is proud to announce the celebration of its 100th anniversary as a zoo, marking a century of inspiring visitors to foster a deep connection with wildlife. With this milestone, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, the nonprofit dedicated to supporting the center’s mission, commemorates its 50th anniversary. These twin celebrations [...]
WNC Nature Center brings economic boost to Asheville and the Western North Carolina region
A recent study highlights the benefits of WNC Nature Center beyond the care of animals. Park visitors and related activities support jobs, boosts County GDP, and generates tax revenue.
WNC Nature Center celebrates new animals added in 2023
Did you know the animals that call the Nature Center home are generally more active during this time of year? Visitors can enjoy watching all the new additions encounter their first winter in Western North Carolina. Check out the WNC Nature Center’s holiday gift guide at wildwnc.org/gift-guide to see all the ways you can support the animals who call the Nature Center home, including symbolic adoptions and purchasing items from the Animal Wishlist and Holiday Giving Tree.
WNC Nature Center Announces Birth of Nine Critically Endangered American Red Wolves
Just in time for Mother’s Day, the WNC Nature Center announced the birth of nine red wolf pups last week. The critically endangered pups were born on April 28, 2023, and are the offspring of four-year-old Gloria and three-year-old Oak, both first-time parents. The nine pups – eight females and one male – are all healthy [...]
WNC Nature Center Saddened to Announce Death of White-tailed Deer
With heavy hearts, the WNC Nature Center is sad to report the loss of Becca and Curly, our two white-tailed deer, last week. They were found in the early morning, and though there are still some unanswered questions, it would appear that a wild black bear entered their exhibit, and either directly or indirectly caused [...]
Happy World Environmental Education Day from the WNC Nature Center
World Environmental Education Day was conceived in 1972 to celebrate, learn, and help the planet that supports us. At the WNC Nature Center, we aim to reach these goals all year. The Nature Center is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). As AZA members, we adhere [...]
City of Asheville announces projects funded by BCTDA Tourism Product Development Fund
The City of Asheville is pleased to announce projects that have received funding from the BCTDA Tourism Product Development Fund. Funding was announced at the Tourism Development Authority Board meeting on October 26. All four of the city’s applications received funding, with the top three priorities receiving funding at 100% of the requested amount. [...]
City of Asheville offices closed for Labor Day, ART buses to run on holiday schedule
In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, City of Asheville offices will be closed September 5, 2022. Here is a look at how City services will be affected. ART bus services The City of Asheville ART service routes and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule Monday, Sept. 5, which is the same as the Sunday bus [...]
Be Bear Aware this holiday weekend
In Asheville, we share our community with some pretty incredible critters. Our most iconic, the black bear, not only shares your love of the mountains – but they can be pretty fond of human food and festivity leftovers as well. So our friends at The NC Wildlife Resources Commission have some tips for you on how [...]
Check out these upcoming events at the WNC Nature Center
Does your child's favorite plush critter seem to have a cold? Have you ever wondered what happens at the WNC Nature Center at night? Or behind the scenes? Check out these events coming soon at the WNC Nature Center!