Help the Western North Carolina Nature Center

by: Lisa Higgins

recipient: Mayor Terry Bellamy

The Western North Carolina Nature Center has been a vital part of the Asheville community since 1924. Their mission is to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region's rich biodiversity. If the center is closed, the animals will be placed in qualified care at other zoos. But what will the people of Asheville and the state of North Carolina do to replace this important connection to the natural world and all its wonders specific to their special part of the planet? Zoos and aquariums are not in the same category as community pools and other recreation. Every year, 175 million people visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums because humans are, according to E.O. Wilson inherently biophiliacs....lovers of life, particularly wildlife. To remove the Western North Carolina Nature Center, or any other zoo and aquarium, is to remove a life force from the community. We, the signers of this petition, ask that another city budget solution be developed so that the Western North Carolina Nature Center can continue with its long term vision to remain in the community indefinitely.

read petition letter ▾ Dear Mayor Bellamy:



The Western North Carolina Nature Center has been a vital part of the Asheville community since 1924. Their mission is to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding, and advancing conservation of the region's rich biodiversity. If the center is closed, the animals will be placed in qualified care at other zoos. But what will the people of Asheville and the state of North Carolina do to replace this important connection to the natural world and all its wonders specific to their special part of the planet?



Zoos and aquariums are not in the same category as community pools and other recreation. Every year, 175 million people visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums because humans are, according to E.O. Wilson, inherently biophiliacs....lovers of life, particularly wildlife. To remove the Western North Carolina Nature Center, or any other zoo and aquarium, is to remove a life force from the community.



We, the signers of this petition, ask that another city budget solution be developed so that the Western North Carolina Nature Center can continue with its long term vision to remain in the community indefinitely.







Warmest regards,

