Animal Birthday Party

Every June, Banner Elk invites visitors to meet some true party animals.

This afternoon of celebration and special events at Grandfather Mountain honors the black bears, bald eagles, river otters, cougars and elk that call the mountain home.

Activities include crafts, games, interpretive talks and special birthday enrichments for the animals — think “bear-thday cake” — and are all included with regular admission to Grandfather Mountain. Millie the Bear, the mountain’s mascot, will make special appearances throughout the day.