The Wilds

(Safari Transport Tours: $20/adult, $19 seniors, $15 children, and children 3 and under free. Open-Air Safaris: $27 per person. All rates subject to change)

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world. Located on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, it is home to rare and endangered species from around the world, like rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs, living in natural, open-range habitat, as well as home to hundreds of indigenous species. In addition to innovative, in-depth science and education programs, the Wilds offers guided safari tour experiences to the public on selected days May through October.

Excerpt from past edition of OhioTraveler by Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
   


OhioTraveler GONE WILDS

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The Wilds. Sounds cool. But is it? Those were my thoughts going in. Coming out I’m not only saying it is cool – it’s way awesome!

Forecasting what The Wilds may be like is a futile effort because there is nothing around to base it on. Most people envision one of those drive-thru animal parks but this is definitely not that! This is an emersion into one of North America’s greatest and largest conservation programs, and it’s in Ohio!

The 10,000 acres were once used for strip mining, but nature reclaimed it in a unique way, lending itself to a versatile ecosystem that is carefully cultivated. Upon entering, the predominant comment overheard is, “This feels like Jurassic Park,” as the enormous electric and barbed wire fencing and gating system clangs shut – with you on the INSIDE!

The open-air vehicle begins the safari and cameras are a blazing. It honestly feels like roaming the terrain of the African Serengeti.

Whether it’s summer, fall, winter or spring, you are bound to come across rhinoceroses, giraffes, cheetahs, herds of bison, antelope, zebras and wild horses, the Chinese Goral and Sichuan Takin, Trumpeter Swans, amphibians, invertebrates, migrating birds and much more.

The safari tour explores forests, wetlands, prairies, and the open range often seeing some of the world’s most endangered species up close in their habitat. In addition, there are birding outposts, a butterfly habitat, Carnivore Conservation Center and Lake Trail full of wonder.

And the ways in which you may enjoy the adventure are as diverse as the species in The Wilds.

Safari tours are provided year-round in either open-air or climate controlled vehicles. A guide conducts the tour and explains in detail each of the open range habitats and conservation work.

Day Ventures feature a naturalist who may program habitat hikes, birding excursions, workshops and more. Overnight camps stay at the yurt village and enjoy a variety of recreational and educational activities ranging from night hikes to astronomy. Other camps are arranged for groups and families. A couple more intensified programs feature Wildecamp Summer Camps offering behind the scenes swamp romps and other close encounters with wildlife. The Working Wild Camp is a hands-on practicum WildeCamp for teenagers wanting to learn more about professions such as wildlife veterinarian, naturalist, animal management specialist and others.

One of the most unique experiences offered at The Wilds, is its lodging. Visitors can enjoy a stay inside a yurt at Nomad Ridge. A yurt is a nomadic-style structure made of canvas which is stretched over a wood frame and bamboo floor. It also has windows, solid wood doors and full bathroom.

Relax after your safari on your private deck outside the yurt amidst the shade trees looming overhead. A fire ring is lit during the evening at the main deck providing panoramic views elevated far above the animal pastures areas of The Wilds below. As the sky darkens it pops with a brilliant canopy of celestial lights against the jet-black sky.

The Lodge at The Wilds provides luxury cabins located on a scenic lake. The accommodations can serve up to 12 living and dining areas and have fully equipped kitchens. There’s even wireless Internet, fireplace and screened porch as well as use of canoes, boats and tackle for fishing.

Chef prepared meals can be provided for different excursions, dining at Nomad Ridge or the Overlook Café.

Aside from the memorable experience each guest is sure to walk away with, The Wilds is integral to scientific research, education, breeding studies, ecological restoration and land management practices. Their mission is to advance conservation through science, education and personal experience.

Information such as seasonal hours, programs, lodging rentals and anything else you need to plan a trip to The Wilds can be found at www.thewilds.org or by calling 740-638-5030. Located in Cumberland, Ohio, The Wilds are nestled in the natural landscape of Southeast Ohio’s Appalachian country. Programs and tours are offered throughout the year.

Excerpt from past edition of OhioTraveler by Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler
 

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WINTER SAFARI

The winter is a wonderful time to see and experience the Wilds at work. Exclusive Winter Safari Tours have been created for adults and children alike to experience the Wilds between the general visitor seasons. See and learn about rare and endangered animals during the winter months of December through March on these special safari tour programs.

The Winter Safari Tours begin with a light lunch prepared by the Wilds' professional chef at the Overlook Cafe. A short conservation program will be presented by an experienced program staff member during lunch.

After lunch, visitors board a heated Safari Transport for a guided safari tour experience through the winter landscape. View large groups of animals, such as the Sichuan takin, Pere David's deer, Przewalski's wild horse, American bison, and many more, as they roam in the open pasture in their winter coats.

The tour also includes an exclusive stop at the Rhino Management Center where you can get up-close and personal with southern white rhinos and greater one-horned Asian rhinos in their winter quarters. Other destinations may include the Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center to see cheetahs and African wild dogs, or the Giraffe Barn.

Winter Safaris take place on select dates in January, February and March and require reservation. Call for dates, times and admissions. Because seating is limited for these special tours, reservations and pre-payment by phone are required. Contact the Wilds’ reservations coordinator at 740-638-5030 ext. 2286 or reservations@thewilds.org. 

Participants should be prepared to spend some time outside. The Wilds Gift Market will be open during Winter Safari Tour programs. 

The Wilds, a nonprofit organization located on nearly 10,000 acres in Southeast Ohio, is one the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world. Its mission is to advance conservation through science, education and personal experience. For more information, call 740-638-5030 or visit www.thewilds.org.

Excerpt from past edition of OhioTraveler by Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler