Images of Western N.c. Nature Center
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From the petting zoo for the little ones to the viewing areas e.g. with wolves. You can appreciate that animals look well cared for.
Nature & Natural History Animals Zoo
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| Monday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 15:30 |
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville
No exhibitions in Western N.c. Nature Center have been found.
Western N.c. Nature Center has 2 ratings.
The Western N.C. Nature Center in Asheville offers visitors an engaging experience with local wildlife and ecosystems. The center features a variety of native animals, including black bears, red wolves, and river otters, which are housed in spacious, naturalistic habitats. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to observe these animals up close and learn about conservation efforts.
The center's walking trails are well-maintained and provide a pleasant outdoor experience, allowing guests to explore the local flora. The staff is generally described as knowledgeable and friendly, often available to answer questions and provide information about the animals and their habitats.
While the Nature Center receives praise for its educational value and commitment to animal welfare, some visitors note that it's a relatively small facility compared to larger zoos. This can be seen as a positive for those who prefer a more intimate setting, but it may not meet expectations for those anticipating a full-day experience.
The center offers various programs and events, which are often highlighted as engaging for children and families. However, some visitors mention that certain areas or exhibits could benefit from updates or expansion.
Overall, the Western N.C. Nature Center provides a good balance of education and entertainment, focusing on regional wildlife and conservation. It's particularly well-suited for families with children and those interested in learning about the local ecosystem, though adult visitors without children may find the experience somewhat brief.
I've visited a few times over the years and have always enjoyed myself until today. The animal enclosures were very unkept and several of the animals appeared emaciated. The staff feeding animals were not friendly and acted as if we were bothering them by asking questions. The worst part was the gift shop. We had a large group and we're understanding of the small space so we waited quite awhile for others to leave for us to be able to go inside. However once allowed in we had one too many people in our party and I was asked to leave. I informed the staff that my children were inside and that I needed to be with them. She told me to get them and wait outside. I suggested setting time limits so that all families had a chance to enter instead of allowing children to play with toys inside and cause extended wait times for others. She agreed but continued to tell me and my children to leave. We left, did not continue to wait, and will not be back. The nature center clearly needs financial support from visitors. Staff should recognize that and be more welcoming and friendly to their visitors.
Visited on 25 May 2025
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