WNC Nature Center

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WNC Nature Center Asheville's Wildlife Park
Plan your next visit at wildwnc.org! The WNC Nature Center is Asheville's premier wildlife park!
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This page is managed by the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, a 501c3 whose mission is to support and grow the facilities and programming of the WNC Nature Center through fundraising, events, membership and other outreach initiatives.

We hope this cool weather leaves 🍂 you inspired to enter our November photo contest! It’s a beautiful time to capture th...
10/19/2026

We hope this cool weather leaves 🍂 you inspired to enter our November photo contest! It’s a beautiful time to capture the fall colors, animal moments, and scenic views at the Nature Center. 📸

Enter your Nature Center photo by emailing it to [email protected]. You could win two guest passes! Submissions must be taken on Nature Center grounds. People pictured must give permission. It's polite to ask the animals for permission, but they may not respond. Photos may be used for marketing in the future.

Behind every healthy animal is a team of dedicated professionals. This National Veterinary Technician Week, we're celebr...
10/18/2026

Behind every healthy animal is a team of dedicated professionals. This National Veterinary Technician Week, we're celebrating Lori, our staff vet tech!

She expertly manages the facility's X-ray program—including dental X-ray capabilities—assists during complex veterinary exams and procedures, monitors vital signs, and handles diagnostic work and regulated medications with precision and trust.

Animal curator Erin says, "Veterinary care frequently involves unexpected health emergencies, changing daily responsibilities, and high-stress environments. Lori handles these challenges with remarkable flexibility, professionalism, and a calm, dependable demeanor."

Thanks for being such a valuable member of our team, Lori!

Violet's getting a new neighbor – and we need YOUR help to build their habitat! Next year, Violet will be welcoming a ne...
10/15/2026

Violet's getting a new neighbor – and we need YOUR help to build their habitat!

Next year, Violet will be welcoming a neighbor: a brand-new small mammal, like a groundhog or an armadillo! We'll be creating a new, state-of-the-art habitat in the barn, but we need your help to build it.

Visit https://wildwnc.org/support/projects/ to make a gift today!

Questions? Contact Willow at [email protected]!

🐸Hop on over to the Nature Center to welcome Fennel and Chicory! They're the newest gray tree frogs to join Sphagnum, Ch...
10/13/2026

🐸Hop on over to the Nature Center to welcome Fennel and Chicory! They're the newest gray tree frogs to join Sphagnum, Chinkapin, Clover, and Peony in their home inside Appalachian Station.

Why so clingy? Mucous secretions on their toe pads help them stick to smooth, dry surfaces. Talk about getting a grip!

🍂 Your fall plans are calling! From getting crafty to howling with the wolves, there’s something for everyone at the Nat...
10/11/2026

🍂 Your fall plans are calling! From getting crafty to howling with the wolves, there’s something for everyone at the Nature Center this fall!

🧶 October 17: Wild Seasons: Knitting Basics
🐺 October 23: Wolf Howl-O-Ween
🎨 October 24: Painting With Animals
🍷 November 7: Craft & Sip (21+)
🐺 November 13: Wolf Howl Tour
🍺 November 20: Cold Mountain Wolf Howl Experience (21+)

Make some memories, try something new, and enjoy a little wild time this fall! 🍁

Details and registration information: https://wildwnc.org/public-events/

Due to high winds, the WNC Nature Center has closed early this afternoon, October 10, 2026. We plan to reopen as usual S...
10/10/2026

Due to high winds, the WNC Nature Center has closed early this afternoon, October 10, 2026. We plan to reopen as usual Sunday morning!

10/10/2026

Weekend plans: snacks, lounging, and absolutely no table manners. American River Otter Anakin shows us how it’s done. We hope your weekend is just as relaxing, with a few goodies of your own and a trip to the Nature Center!

We’re proud to share that the WNC Nature Center has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA...
10/08/2026

We’re proud to share that the WNC Nature Center has earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)!

The gold standard for zoos and aquariums, AZA accreditation recognizes facilities that meet rigorous standards for animal care and wellbeing, veterinary care, staff training, education programs, conservation and more.

Fewer than 10% of zoos and aquariums worldwide meet these standards, and we’ve been proud to meet them since 1999.

This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team. We’re honored to continue connecting people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian region.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums

What's so scary about bats? For starters, some species are disappearing, and that's frightening because these fascinatin...
10/07/2026

What's so scary about bats? For starters, some species are disappearing, and that's frightening because these fascinating creatures benefit our environment in so many ways.

To help researchers learn more, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center’s Outreach Education team recently teamed up with the NC Wildlife Federation and the National Parks Conservation Association to conduct bat surveys in Pisgah National Forest.

🦇Find out more www.wildwnc.org/a-not-so-spooky-bat-story/

📷Virginia Big-Eared Bats, Hajenga, Jeff, Public Domain, https://www.fws.gov/media/virginia-big-eared-bats-0

The Nature Center is closed today, October 5, due to a water main break.We apologize for the unexpected closure and any ...
10/05/2026

The Nature Center is closed today, October 5, due to a water main break.

We apologize for the unexpected closure and any inconvenience this may cause. We’ll share updates as they become available and hope to welcome you back soon!

Address

75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC
28805

Telephone

+18282598092

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