Henrietta and the Zoo

Many long time Asheville residents have memories of the "old zoo", which had been here since the Great Depression. The old zoo housed exotic animals including elephants, lions, and monkeys. But because of financial hardships, the old zoo was forced to sell or give most of the animals to other zoos. Henrietta, the elephant, was cared for at the Center until the end of her life, and buried on the Center grounds.

1973 Children's Zoo and Nature Center

In May 1973 groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new Children's Zoo and Nature Center. This was a major community improvement project by the Junior League, and based on an initial $25,000 donation. The Asheville Building and Trades Council donated construction labor along with many local businesses donating materials.

1975 Friends of the WNC Nature Center formed

The Nature Society, now known as the Friends of the WNC Nature Center was formed in March 1975, and together with Center staff developed the Nature Centers mission: To educate the public to the natural history and ecology of the Southern Appalachians. The Friends serve as a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the Nature Center.

1976 Nature Center Grand Opening

A sneak preview was held for the opening of the new Nature Center in October, 1976 with the Grand Opening on May 7, 1977. Except the peacocks, the old zoo was a memory. The new habitats are examples of future care, gone are the days of cages and bars. As time passed the Center gradually became a sanctuary for the animals who had been "pets" (like the cougars, bobcats and raccoons) or raised from a program to save a species for reintroduction (such as the red wolves). All of our animals have been injured or are imprinted on people and cannot be returned to the wild.

1989 Predator Habitat Project, 1991 breeding pair of Red Wolves introduced, 1998 Cougar and Bobcat Habitats completed

In 1989 groundbreaking was held for the new 4 acre Predator Habitat Project. Phase one was a new red wolf & gray wolf habitats, completed in 1991. Our breeding pair of red wolves were received in the Fall of 1991. Phase two, the cougar and bobcat habitats began in the winter of 1995 and completed in early 1998. Phases one and two cost of over $555,000, raised by the Friends through foundations and the local community members and residents.

Hands on Nature Lab and Education Farm with Petting Area

Other completed improvements include the "hands on" Nature Lab and Educational Farm with petting area. Children are invited to touch a corn snake, hold a turtle, or feel angora, presheared.

Staff members are regional specialists

Many of the Nature Center staff are recognized as regional specialists and serve as consultants to zoos and other wildlife habitats. The staff has done a superb job in helping to make a 25 year old dream come true.