Asheville ~ Day 3

Did I mention we loved our accommodations?!  This was our cabin.  We thoroughly enjoyed our daily outings, but to be able to come 'home' to this instead of your average hotel was absolutely blissful!

On day 3, after a quick morning nap for Gavin, we packed up and visited The Western North Carolina Nature Center (WNC).  Since living in NC my eyes have been opened to the growing population of the mom & pop 'zoos'.  You've probably seen them on shows like 20/20.  Usually these people are passionate animal lovers but simply don't have the education or resources to properly care for the exotic animals they house on their private property.  I know of at least 4 of these 'zoos' in our general area, one of which was in the news because a zebra bite off a girls finger!  1. for the safety of my children and 2. out of respect for the animals, we just can't support places like this.

SO, I was very happy to learn the WNC is managed by the City of Asheville and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  The WNC is fairly small, we saw everything there was to see in about 3 hours.  It features plants and animals native to the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.  It was quiet and peaceful and a GREAT way to spend the afternoon!

Bobcat

Gray Wolf

Right next to the River Otter exhibit were big rock stairs leading to a slick slide where you could pretend to be an otter.  A very entertaining attraction that we spent a good chunk of time at :)

Kayla finally found the Black Bear she was looking for!

 

When I was going over the WNC website I read the only food provided in the park was from vending machines.  BUT there were picnic tables scattered around and guests were free to bring their own lunches.  At first Kayla was not really into the photos, but Gavin was!

 

When we told her she could make funny faces, that was the ticket :)

 

The WNC also had a large farm experience/animal exhibit.

'ohhhhhh, what's that little furry fluffy thing in the corner??'

Stay tuned, I've got 1 last Asheville post!