WNC Nature Center

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.

06/22/2026

Raccoons Grace & Frankie get a special icy treat! While it may look like they're playing with their food, raccoons essentially "see" by touching. The thousands of sensory receptors in their paws help them figure out what's snack-worthy and what's not.

06/22/2026

Raccoons Grace & Frankie get a special icy treat! While it may look like they’re playing with their food, raccoons essentially “see” by touching. The thousands of sensory receptors in their paws help them figure out what’s snack-worthy and what’s not.

Come find out why mothing matters! Celebrate NC Moth Week with a family-friendly evening of nighttime discovery at the N...
06/22/2026

Come find out why mothing matters!

Celebrate NC Moth Week with a family-friendly evening of nighttime discovery at the Nature Center. Explore glowing mothing stations, learn fun facts about local moth species, and enjoy a guided nocturnal animal tour.

Moth Night at the Nature Center is Friday, July 24 | 8:30–10:30 PM

🎟$20 members | $25 non-members
https://wildwnc.org/public-events


This Father's Day, you can beat Dad at his own game. Here are some jokes that are sure to make the whole family cringe!🐻...
06/21/2026

This Father's Day, you can beat Dad at his own game. Here are some jokes that are sure to make the whole family cringe!

🐻Why don't bears wear shoes?
Because they already have bear feet.

🐾How does a wolf stop a video?
He presses the paws button.

🐍What's a snake's favorite subject?
Hisss-tory!

🐾What's a bobcat's favorite movie?
The Sound of Mew-sic.

🎁This is no joke: Give Dad a gift he will cherish—a Private WNC Nature Center Tour Gift Certificate! Purchase here: https://wildwnc.org/events/

06/19/2026

June is ! Here's what you can find blooming in Western NC this month: Catawba rhododendron, rosebay rhododendron, mountain laurel, wild hydrangea, and black-eyed Susans. The bees seen here find our St. John's wort buzzworthy! Stop by the Nature Center this weekend and get inspiration for your own garden.

It's shear joy! 🐑 Say hello to our newest residents, Banjo and Spoons.Banjo, the black-and-white cutie, is a Shetland la...
06/18/2026

It's shear joy! 🐑 Say hello to our newest residents, Banjo and Spoons.

Banjo, the black-and-white cutie, is a Shetland lamb. Originating from the Shetland Islands of northern Scotland, this breed is known for its incredibly warm, lightweight wool.

Spoons is a Babydoll lamb. This ancient breed originated in Sussex, England, and is known for its gentle temperament and easygoing nature.

Keeping with our tradition of naming sheep after musical instruments, Banjo and Spoons are named for two traditional Appalachian instruments. You can catch a sneak peek while they're in quarantine in the barn near the chickens!

We've been nominated in Best of AVL, and we could use your help! If you love the Nature Center, vote for us in the follo...
06/17/2026

We've been nominated in Best of AVL, and we could use your help! If you love the Nature Center, vote for us in the following categories:

🐾Children's Birthday Party Venue
🐾Family Attraction
🐾Outdoor Attraction
🐾Place to Buy a Gift
🐾Tour

You can vote here daily through July 1st at https://bestofavl.com/

Did you know that Ted, our Angora goat, is quite possibly the oldest living documented Angora goat in the world!🌎Born ...
06/16/2026

Did you know that Ted, our Angora goat, is quite possibly the oldest living documented Angora goat in the world!🌎

Born in March 2010, Ted recently celebrated his 16th birthday, an age few goats ever reach. While we can't say for certain that no older Angora goat exists, we've yet to find any documented records of one. And we've searched zoos from Columbus, Ohio to Jerusalem!

We highly recommend you visit the Nature Center and meet this living legend!

Last month, one of our turtle residents graduated from the Nature Center and headed back to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge ...
06/15/2026

Last month, one of our turtle residents graduated from the Nature Center and headed back to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge for release into the wild.

For the past few years, the WNC Nature Center has partnered with Appalachian Wildlife Refuge to help "head-start" young box turtles and snapping turtles. When rescued hatchlings are too small to survive on their own, our animal care team gives them a safe place to grow during their most vulnerable early years.

We care for these turtles from just a few months old until they're about two years old. Once they're big enough to have a better chance in the wild, they return to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, which releases them as close as possible to where they were originally found.

Our latest graduate, "Snapper E," recently made that journey. And while we'll miss the little snapper, we're happy knowing that another turtle is getting a second chance in the wild.
https://www.facebook.com/AppWild

Community partnerships are brewing! 🍻🐾A huge thank you to New Belgium Asheville for choosing Friends of the WNC Nature C...
06/13/2026

Community partnerships are brewing! 🍻🐾

A huge thank you to New Belgium Asheville for choosing Friends of the WNC Nature Center as part of their community giving program. Through customer tips, New Belgium supports local nonprofits making a difference right here in our community.

Recently, our Friends team got a behind-the-scenes tour of the brewery, and later, New Belgium employees visited the Nature Center for a tour of their own. We’re grateful for partnerships that connect people, wildlife, and community in meaningful ways.

Thanks for helping support conservation, education, and the animals you love!
New Belgium Brewing

Address

75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC
28805

Telephone

+18282598092

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