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 highlight the zoo’s remarkable legacy in animal care, education, and conservation.
Impacting animal education
Since it opened as Recreation Park Zoo in May 1925, the WNC Nature Center has undergone a metamorphosis, evolving from a collection of exotic animals – including elephants, lions, monkeys, zebras, and camels – to animals native to the Southern Appalachians from the past to the present. From species like the river otter and hellbender to red wolves and red pandas, the WNC Nature Center has told the story of the unique biodiversity of the Appalachian region for decades. Generations have enjoyed visiting and learning about the variety of species of wild and domestic animals, as well as the spectrum of plants in the region.
In 2023, the WNC Nature Center welcomed more than 192,500 guests, of which 75,000 were children, through its gates. 2024 was on track to be another standout year for the Nature Center’s visitor attendance when Tropical Storm Helene hit. Due to the storm’s devastating impact on the region, the WNC Nature Center has been temporarily closed since September 27 and will remain closed through the first part of its centennial year.
Honoring the Anniversary
Improvements mark the start of the Nature Center’s next era. The Gateway to the Southern Appalachians entrance along with the highly anticiapted butterfly garden and immersive guest experience, a renovated barn and farmyard space, and an expanded Gift Shop.
The Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project broke ground in late May 2024 with an expected completion by summer 2025. Though progress was initially delayed due to the Nature Center’s closure with Tropical Storm Helene in late September 2024, the center pivoted, using the time it has been closed to guest access and the guest experiences to move forward on the gateway project. The center now plans to reopen to public this spring and complete the Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project by summer.
“One exciting part of our Gateway project will be the unveiling of a 70-foot history timeline along the exterior of our barn wall. The history wall will feature our first 100 years, including fun facts and important milestones, like our accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) in 1999.” said Chris Gentile, director of the Nature Center since 2009.
See more information about the WNC Nature Center’s 100th where visitors will find a centennial timeline and historic photos from throughout the years.
Notably, the Nature Center is one of just eight facilities open to the public in North Carolina that is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Moving into the next 100 years
The Nature Center will commemorate this historic milestone throughout the year with special anniversary celebrations, educational programs, and community outreach activities:
- History Wall: A commemorative exhibit displaying the zoo’s history, featuring archival photos and highlights from 100 years of animal care and education will be unveiled at part of the Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project.
- Community Engagement Programs: Special educational programs, guided tours, and other opportunities for visitors will be promoted throughout the year.
- “More than a Zoo” Series: Monthly interviews with key stakeholders will share centennial stories highlighting the impact the WNC Nature Center and the Friends have
had on this region.
“What we’ve collectively accomplished to date is worth celebrating, and what we can learn from it as we look to the future is inspiring,” says Gentile. “The Friends and the Nature Center are a dynamic powerhouse of a team, and we’re excited to embark on our next century of providing meaningful connection to the plants and animals of this region.”
A part of Asheville history
The Nature Center is no stranger to closure or threat of closure. Before Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center was closed for six months in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The zoo was also closed from 1943 to 1959 as a result of World War II and financial hardships, and in 1973, the US Department of Agriculture recommended closure due to conditions at the zoo. As a result, through a generous donation from the Junior League of Asheville and a campaign by six of their members (Jeanne Cummings, Sally Rhodes, Dershie McDevitt, Millie Elmore, Martha Gentry, and Audie Bayer) now lovingly called the Founding Mothers, the Children’s Zoo and Nature Center was born, along with the Friends support organization. The grand opening of the newly re-visioned Nature Center occurred in May 1977.
Officially established in May 1975, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center has been a vital partner in the center’s success, ensuring the resources and financial support needed to fulfill its mission. Over the past 50 years, the nonprofit has raised millions of dollars to fund animal habitats and care, educational initiatives, and conservation programs. Its commitment has been instrumental in the zoo’s growth, supporting notable projects like the new Front Entrance, and the Red Panda Habitat.