Asheville's Playground opens
The former WWI Army training camp site (including pool) for the National League for Woman's Service was repurposed as Asheville’s first motorist camp.
Over the next few years, the mess hall was converted into a skating rink, a dance hall was added, and a bridge and hydroelectric dam were built, connecting Gashes Creek and Swannanoa River Road and creating 56-acre Lake Craig. Discover more about Recreation Park at ashevillenc.gov/news/park-views-recreation-park/
Recreation Park Zoo opens
A merry-go-round, ferris wheel, shooting range, and zoo were added to the park, and the tourist camp was converted to a picnic area. The zoo housed exotic animals as well as a petting zoo in the barn, a structure that still stands today.
Betsy the Elephant arrives
Named through a contest, Betsy was a 3000 lb. baby Asian elephant who came to the zoo through much fanfare. Children fundraised $2,500 to purchase her, and when she arrived, she was paraded through downtown until she reached McCormick Field.
Growing by leaps and bounds
By 1927, it was estimated that the zoo was third in the South in its variety of species, falling short only to the Memphis and Washington Zoos.
In 1929, a list of published animals included lions, black bears, hyenas, pumas, wild hogs, timber wolves, a baboon, monkeys, buffalo, elk, deer, zebra, golden eagles, a peacock, owls, raccoons, snakes, and gray foxes. And of course, an elephant.
Zoo reopens to the public
After 16 years of disuse, the zoo's facilities needed to be renovated. When it reopened, more than 1,000 people each week paid the 10¢ per child and 25¢ per adult admission. The zoo featured over 100 birds and reptiles from Central America as well as monkeys, lions, and Henrietta, the Asian elephant.
Groundbreaking for Children's Zoo & Nature Center
In January 1973, the US Department of Agriculture recommended closure due to poor zoo conditions. By July that same year, enough improvements had been made that the USDA gave a positive report.
Simultaneously, the Junior League of Asheville had just finished a year-long study with the City and recommended the creation of a children's zoo and nature park.
With a generous $25,000 donation from the Junior League and in-kind labor, materials, and support from the entire community, Recreation Park Zoo was re-visioned.
Junior League of Asheville creates Nature Center Committee
A committee of devoted women from the Junior League of Asheville played a key role in creating, fundraising for, and engaging the community in the children's zoo plan in the 1970s.
As a result, Jeanne Cummings, Sally Rhoades, Dershie McDevitt, Millie Elmore, Audie Bayer, and Martha Gentry are now lovingly called the Founding Mothers of the WNC Nature Center.
Friends of the WNC Nature Center established
In addition to their generous support for the children's zoo, the Junior League of Asheville also voted to create a zoological society that would sustain the zoo's development.
Originally named The Nature Society, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center was incorporated in March 1975.
The Society helped develop the Center's new mission: To educate the public to the natural history and ecology of Southern Appalachia.
Grand Opening of the Children's Zoo & Nature Center
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 for the peacocks, elephant, and the barn, the old zoo was a memory. Henrietta the elephant remained at the Nature Center until she died on February 9, 1982.
River Otter Exhibit opens
A new naturalistic exhibit for North American river otters was opened. The exhibit featured underwater viewing and a flowing river. Guests could view the otters from several vantage points.
Appalachian Predators habitats completed
This four acre project marked the beginning of significant expansion within the park.
Phase One, completed in 1991, featured red wolf and gray wolf habitats. The Nature Center became a participating member of the Red Wolf Species Survival Program, and the first breeding pair of red wolves was received in fall 1991. Phase Two was completed in early 1998, featuring cougar and bobcat habitats.
First Accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums
The WNC Nature Center applied for and was granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for the first time in its history. Fewer than 10 percent of animal exhibitors are AZA-accredited. The Nature Center continues to maintain this standard of excellence to this day.
Raccoon and Fox habitats open
Spacious small mammal exhibits opened for red fox, gray fox, and raccoon. The habitats replaced the old, cramped corn-crib style exhibits built during the early 1970s.
Arachnid Adventure Playground opens
As part of the Nature Play initiative, a new climbing web playground opened at the far end of the park on the Predator Loop. More nature play areas would be added over the next few years. Nearby restrooms and a water fountain were also added.
Appalachian Station remodeled; Hellbender exhibit opens
The Nature Lab reptile and amphibian house was remodeled and renamed Appalachian Station, and a 270-degree viewing hellbender exhibit was added.
Grand Opening of new Front Entrance
Visitation rose 31% from 2012 to 2017, highlighting the need for improved accessibility, increased parking, a more functional Gift Shop, and additional restrooms in the barn. The old entrance was converted to the Education Center with two classroom settings.
Temporary Closure due to Historic Flood Damage
Breaking records set during The Great Flood of 1916, Tropical Storm Helene devastated the region. With both the main bridge and Swannanoa River Road significantly damaged, the Nature Center was inaccessible to guests.
Damage to the wildlife park was not severe, and all animals were safe. Due to the outpouring of support from the local community and zoo partners, the Center was able to repair damage quickly and update vulnerable areas to mitigate future risks.
Nature Center Celebrates 100 Years & Friends of the WNC Nature Center Celebrates 50 Years
These twin celebrations highlight the zoo’s remarkable legacy in animal care, education, and conservation. We'll commemorate these milestones throughout the year with anniversary celebrations, themed educational programs and activities, and fundraising initiatives.
Gateway to the Southern Appalachians & Butterfly Pollinator Garden opens
Complete with a butterfly garden and immersive guest experience, a renovated barn and farmyard, and an expanded Gift Shop, the Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project broke ground in May 2024 with an expected completion in summer 2025. Learn more about the project at wildwnc.org/gateway.
