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Excerpt from a past edition of OhioTraveler

   


OhioTraveler GONE WILDS

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.

By Frank R. Satullo, The OhioTraveler