Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

Due to significant flooding and impassable roads in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center is temporarily CLOSED.

All of our animals are safe and accounted for, and there is minimal damage to the habitats. However, Swannanoa River Road and the main bridge to the Nature Center were washed away, and it will take time to reopen. We will undoubtedly need your support as we rebuild.

Donations can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate.

Oberhasli Goat

Capra aegagrus hircus

Appearance: The Oberhasli goat is a medium sized goat and they can weigh up to 150 pounds. Their tan, brown and black color pattern is called “chamoisee”. The two sharp black lines that form at the top of their head and come down to the base of their nose are characteristic and unique to this species.

Behavior: They are known for their gentle disposition. The females, called does, are excellent milk producers with a record of 4665 lbs. of milk being produced in one year. The male bucks and wethers make really good pack animals because they are strong and unlike other goat species do not fear crossing rivers and other trail obstacles.

History: They were first imported here to the United States in the early 1900s as they were known to be a docile dairy breed species. By the 1930s farmers were able to establish and maintain purebred herds of their own and in 1977 the name Oberhasli was adopted.

Range: Oberhasli goats are found throughout the world but are native to mountain regions in Switzerland.

Diet: They mainly eat vegetation including grasses and alfalfa.

Swiss & Alpine

Date of Birth: March 12, 2014

Swiss (top) and Alpine (bottom) are brothers who were born on a farm in Leicester, North Carolina. They came to the WNC Nature Center in May 2014. Swiss is the larger of the two.