Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm
Reservations are not required, and tickets do not need to be purchased online in advance.
Capra hircus
Appearance: Nigerian dwarf goats are small in size and vary widely in coloration and patterns making them a popular farm animal.
Behavior: The Nigerian dwarf goat is a miniature dairy breed of West African ancestry. They were selected as companions and show animals with emphasis on the breed’s graceful appearance and gentle disposition.
History: Nigerian dwarf goats are popular as hobby goats due to their easy maintenance and small stature. The production qualities of the breed have also attracted great attention. Females, known as does, are capable of producing one to two quarts of milk per day for up to ten months. The milk is high in butterfat and makes excellent cheese and butter. Originally, they were brought to the United States on ships as food for large cats and the survivors lived in zoos.
Range: Domestic Nigerian dwarf goats are found throughout the world but are native to West Africa.
Diet: Often called “weed-eaters” these goats are experts at clearing overgrown and unwanted vegetation.
Date of Birth: February 16, 2014
Roddy was born on a farm in Asheville, North Carolina and was donated to Nature Center in June of 2014. Roddy is the smaller, light colored Nigerian Dwarf Goat.
What Makes Roddy Unique? Roddy has his own obstacle course, and loves running it regularly for show (and treats!). He also is also a very vocal goat, with a unique sound to his bleats.
Generally shy and reclusive animals, black bears avoid human contact and are not normally aggressive. Two black bears, Uno and Ursa, live at the Nature Center.
Red wolves are highly endangered species that has been eliminated from almost all of its natural range. Our breeding pair of red wolves, Oak and Gloria, are part of the AZA Species Survival Plan.
Similar to the Nigerian dwarf goat, the American pygmy is a small goat that only reaches 1-2 feet in height. They vary widely in coloration including white, tan, caramel, gray, and black.
River otters are masterful in the water. Obi and Olive, the two otters at the Nature Center, love to show their playful side in their habitat!
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Getting Here
General Inquiries
828-259-8080
admin@wildwnc.org
Friends of the
WNC Nature Center
PO Box 19151
Asheville, NC 28815
828-259-8092
See what’s new at the zoo
with monthly updates!
©2019 Friends of the WNC Nature Center | All rights reserved
Website design by BECK Digital