West Virginia State Wildlife Center reopens

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia State Wildlife Center in Upshur County has reopened, Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced Wednesday.

The Wildlife Center had been closed since Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023, when it underwent what it anticipated to be its required annual inspection ; but the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ended up shutting it down instead, nearly canceling its yearly Groundhog Day ceremony with French Creek Freddie. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) was able to leverage connections at the USDA , and the ceremony ended up taking place , but the Wildlife Center remained otherwise closed.

Justice said in a press release Wednesday that the Wildlife Center has reopened to the public after it completed a federal relicensing agreement, which includes enacting conservation measures at the Wildlife Center and staff working to complete a perimeter fence around the facility.

“We faced numerous challenges and overcame several obstacles, but we fought tirelessly to reopen our center,” Gov. Justice said in the press release. “It’s truly amazing to see our doors open again, inviting visitors from around the world to experience one of West Virginia’s treasured attractions.”

Its hours, as of Wednesday, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Click here to see ticket prices.

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