October Brings Special ‘Behind the Scenes’ Opportunities to Grandfather Mountain; Introducing Nova the Otter

Sept. 19, 2013. Behind the scenes habitat tours at Grandfather Mountain will be offered at a discounted rate during the month of October, giving participants  the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Grandfather’s newest animal addition, Nova the otter.

Nova came to Grandfather Mountain from a wildlife rehabilitator and will not be added to the Otter Habitat until she has a little more age under her belt, however, Behind the Scenes Tour participants will be able to view her private habitat in an area called “The Plaza” and meet this vivacious little pup. 

Nova_kcThe Behind the Scenes Habitat TOurs usually cost $30 per person but will be offered for $20 per person for the entire month of October. These guided tours are led by Grandfather’s extremely knowledgeable keepers and offer the public an opportunity to see where animals eat and sleep, learn what it takes to care for the animals year-found and learn why these animals call Grandfather Mountain home. 

Each tour takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. There is no age limit but small children must be carried if they are not capable of walking on their own. The use of strollers is prohibited during the tour. Participants must be able to walk up and down steep terrain, wear closed-toe hiking or work boots, dress in layers and be willing to sign a waiver of liability. 

Behind the scenes October tours are scheduled every day of the week at 1 p.m. excluding Oct. 1, 15 and 29. An additional tour is also offered on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. The $20 cost per person is not included in park admission. To make a Behind the Scenes reservation before your trip, please call 828-733-8715. Any remaining tour spots can be purchased on the day of at the Nature Museum Gift Shop.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.