Natural Growth

The WNC Nature Center in Asheville experienced a notable boost in activity during 2023, as 19 animals comprising seven species were either born or relocated there, marking a banner year for babies—and an exciting prelude of things to come. 

Last spring, the center celebrated the birth of seven red wolf pups; the species is on the critically endangered list, meaning they have an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Additionally, two coyote pups, Cal and Walker, make the center their home. Playful bobcat kittens Tufts and Kohana also engage visitors, as do raccoon babies Grace and Frankie. The kits, with their cleaning qualms and entertaining behavior, are a big hit. The indoor exhibit for reptiles and amphibians is also currently housing two baby box turtles and two baby snapping turtles, which are being released this spring.

Chris Gentile, center director, notes there are quite a few things in the works for the center, including redesigning the coyote exhibit for Cal and Walker. That upgrade should be completed this March—just in time for spring break, he notes. Other plans for 2024 and beyond include an immersive butterfly gallery, a gift shop, and reconstructed space for the goats, sheep, and other domestic animals.

Founded in 1973, the wildlife park houses more than 60 species—most of which are indigenous to the Carolinas—that are unreleasable due to a variety of factors, such as human imprinting or injury. The center also serves as a temporary home to those that can eventually be released back into the wild.

Go Wild!
To support the center and its inhabitants, visit wildwnc.org