Celebrate 100 Years With us!

Since it opened as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925, the WNC Nature Center has undergone its own metamorphosis, evolving from a collection of exotic animals – including elephants, lions, monkeys, zebras, and camels – to animals native to the Southern Appalachians from the past to the present. From species like the river otter and hellbender to red wolves and red pandas, the WNC Nature Center has told the story of the unique biodiversity of the Appalachian region for decades.

The Friends of the WNC Nature Center was created in 1975 to support the transformation of the Recreation Park Zoo into what is now known as the WNC Nature Center. The wildlife park was re-visioned with a renewed focus as an education facility committed to native wildlife of the Southern Appalachians. Its grand opening occurred in May 1977.

Since that time, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center and the WNC Nature Center have worked hand in hand to support the animals, education programs, and conservation initiatives of the Nature Center.

Over the course of 2025, we’ll be highlighting key moments in the WNC Nature Center’s history by sharing stories, news articles, photos, and memories. Be sure to follow us on social media for trivia and fun photos about our history, along with invites to special celebrations, themed educational programs and activities, and fundraising events.

How do you represent 100 Years of Wild?

As 2025 neared, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center commissioned Dr. Joe Richichi, a local veterinarian and artist, to create artwork that would tell the story of the WNC Nature Center’s hundred years of animal history.

From left to right, the animals range from exotic to those who lived or have lived in the Southern Appalachians:

Asian elephant Betsy from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s;
African lion Leo from the 1960s;
American black bear Boo from the 1980s;
American Red Wolf from the 1990s;
Red Panda Phoenix, who came to the Nature Center in 2019;
and above, a butterfly, representing the 2025 addition of a native butterfly pollinator garden.

For the month of July, his artwork will be displayed on a billboard on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. You can also purchase it on coffee mugs and in coloring books in the Nature Center Gift Shop!

Visit Joe’s Website

Photo Gallery: A Journey Through Time (1925-1988)

1925 to 1942

Lion cub born of parents Romeo and Julet, 1926

1959 to 1977

Asian Elephant Henrietta and Lion Leo ad, 1959

Asian Elephant Henreitta with preschoo, 1960

1978 to 1988

History Wall Addition

As part of the 2025 Gateway to the Southern Appalachians project, the side of the historic barn now tells the story of the WNC Nature Center with a colorful mural and a 75-foot history wall with panels sharing fun facts, important milestones, and photos and news articles from the past 100 years.

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