West Virginia State Wildlife Center — Zoo in West Virginia

West Virginia State Wildlife Center and its collection

West Virginia State Wildlife Center is a zoo in French Creek, United States.

Run by the state Division of Natural Resources, the centre shows native and introduced wildlife. It covers 338 acres and displays 29 species of mammal, bird and reptile, the enclosures following a 1.25-mile path through mature hardwood forest.

History

Some of the species on show had disappeared from the state by the early 1900s: by 1911 elk, bison, wolves and mountain lions had been wiped out locally. Even white-tailed deer and wild turkey came close to being lost to habitat loss and hunting.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include quail, pheasant, turkey, deer and elk brought by wagon.

What the venue says

• French Creek Freddie
• The gift shop is now serving food in addition to its typical offerings.
• The facility provides a large dedicated parking lot conveniently located near the entrance/welcome gate.
• Woodland wildlife can be viewed along a wheelchair-accessible interpretative trail traveling 1.25 miles through a mature hardwood forest.