Accessibility Needs

The WNC Nature Center openly welcomes guests who use service animals as determined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. 

Please note the following conditions outlined under subtitle A of Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990:

Service animals must be under control:

• Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices.  In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. 
• If the Nature Center’s animals become visibly upset or agitated by the presence of your service animal, we ask you to move on to another area.  Signs of agitation from our animals may include barking, howling, growling, bumping into their enclosure windows, running around their habitat, and/or erratic movements.

Service animals may be asked to leave the Nature Center if:

• The service animal’s behavior is out of control, which includes, but is not limited to, vicious or aggressive behavior toward other people or animals, excessive barking and/or growling, jumping or running at other people or animals.
• The service animal is not house broken.
• The service animal is not under control of the handler such as being held by a harness, leash or on a tethered line or by verbal or other command.
• The service animal causes any disruption or stress to any of the Nature Center’s animals.

Restricted areas for service animals:

Please be aware of the unique conditions that exist at the Nature Center.  Some animals are disturbed by the presence of other animals, viewing them as a threat.  It is for these reasons that service animals are restricted from entering the Red Panda, Bobcat, Cougar, Gray and Red Wolf or Coyote exhibit zone.  These areas have signs noting restrictions.

We have partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. 

Learn more about KultureCity here.

Sensory Bags 

We have partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs.

Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, and verbal cue cards, will also be free to borrow for all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. Visit the Nature Center Front Ticket Office at the Front Entrance to check out a sensory bag.

Designated Quiet Zones and Headphone Zones

Signs are posted throughout the Nature Center designating areas that usually have less activity around them (Quiet Zones) and areas that can be more crowded with increased noise (Headphone Zones).

Social Story and KultureCity

All-Inclusive App Download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App below to get your social story to help you enjoy your visit to the WNC Nature Center:

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