Asheville – The WNC Nature Center announced its reopening to the public on March 17, 2025, following a five-and-a-half-month closure due to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which inflicted significant damage by destroying roads and the main bridge leading to the center.
Before reopening to the general public, the Nature Center planned a special members-only week from March 10 to March 16, allowing Friends of the WNC Nature Center members to visit early. Memberships could be purchased or renewed online or at the Membership Office, but no admission tickets were sold during this exclusive week.
The Nature Center reported the passing of its beloved male gray wolf, Wayah. During a recent routine preventative care exam, he was found to have an abnormal liver and a leg tumor. Although he displayed no outward signs of cancer at the time, treatments were initiated immediately to ensure his comfort. Unfortunately, within a few weeks, the tumor progressed, and he was humanely euthanized to prevent any suffering. Wayah had been a resident of the Nature Center since he was a young puppy almost 11 years ago.
Additionally, the Nature Center mourned the loss of its female red panda, Leafa, whose health had declined over the past few months. Born in 2009 at the Red River Zoo in Fargo, ND, Leafa and her male counterpart, Phoenix, arrived at the Nature Center from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in 2018 as the first red pandas ever exhibited in Western North Carolina. Erin Oldread, Curator of Animal Programs, noted that they were “immediately embraced by all who came out to meet them and quickly became the most popular residents at the Nature Center.”
Red pandas are critically endangered due to rapidly declining habitat in their home range of Central Asia, making safe havens like the Nature Center vital for their continued survival. Over her lifetime, Leafa gave birth to eight cubs, significantly contributing to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Red Panda Species Survival Plan.
Chris Gentile, the Nature Center Director, reflected on the challenges faced during the closure, stating, “After witnessing the devastation caused by the flooding of the Swannanoa River, we thought it would be at least a year until we could safely reopen. Thanks to the steadfast work of our City workers, the NC DOT, and a myriad of community partners, we were ready to welcome guests back.” However, visitors were advised to adjust their routes due to the loss of the Gashes Creek Bridge.
The reopening came with new directions for accessing the Nature Center. Visitors were instructed to drive normally to the Nature Center but continue straight instead of turning right at the bridge. The new two-way traffic pattern required caution as it could be narrow in places. After navigating a roundabout and crossing a newly installed metal bridge, guests turned left onto Gashes Creek Road to enter the parking lots.
During the closure, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center remained active in their mission to connect people with local wildlife. From November 2024 to February 2025, their Outreach Education team traveled over one thousand miles, providing affordable wildlife experiences to 1,200 individuals in schools and community centers. Kate Frost, Executive Director of Friends of the WNC Nature Center, noted, “Helene left a lasting impact on Western North Carolina, damaging parks, trails, and waterways that serve as vital outdoor learning spaces for families.”
Upon reopening, the WNC Nature Center planned to operate seven days a week from 10 AM until 4:30 PM, with last admission at 3:30 PM. Friends members enjoyed early entry at 9:30 AM. Additionally, the Ticket Office transitioned to a cashless system, allowing ticket purchases via credit or debit cards or prepaid cash cards.