|
take a walk on ‘the Wilds’ sideBy Amy Beth Graves Located in the east-central Ohio town of Cumberland, the Wilds is home to 25 species of rare, threatened and endangered animals. The wild animal/conservation reserve is located on 10,000 acres, or 14 square miles of land, that was once a gigantic strip mine. American Electric Power donated the land in 1986 for the purpose of preserving threatened wild animals, said Toni Kellar, marketing and communications officer for the Wilds. Funding comes from admission fees, special tour fees, donations and state and federal grants, she said. The Wilds has been open to the public since 1994, and visitors can see the more than 300 animals on guided trips aboard air-conditioned buses or small open-air vehicles. The vehicles shuttle among five stops:
The average enclosure for a species at the animal reserve is 500 acres, giving the animals plenty of space to move around. Having a lot of open space is critical for the animals because it helps with breeding. The Wilds has a successful breeding program; some of the animals are on loan from other zoos, Kellar said. Research and conservation are the key components of the Wilds. Not only does the reserve examine how to successfully breed animals, but does scientific research in several areas such as animal diet and behavior. The Wilds has been examining the food fed to giraffes to try to find a new formula that can help prevent bladder disorders, which can lead to death, Kellar said. "The Wilds is a world-class research facility for the conservation of animals,” she said.
As a result of growing attendance rates, the Wilds is expanding its seasonal schedule to be open for visitors seven days a week during the months of June, July and August. The Wilds will continue to be open weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in May, September and October. The Wilds is also open Memorial Day and Labor Day. Open-Air Safaris are $27 per person; $22 Wilds members. Parking is $3. Amy Beth Graves is a freelance writer from Franklin County. To comment on this story, e-mail info@ourohio.org Photo credits: Think TV You must be logged in to leave a comment. Click here to login or register. |
Grow It. Make It. Know It. :
March 13, 2010 - October 23, 2010
Location: Preble County
Paws in the Plaza :
April 01, 2010 - December 02, 2010
Location: Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna
Family Fishing at Creekside :
May 08, 2010 - September 11, 2010
Location: Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill St., Gahanna, OH
>> view all


I am planning a trip to the Wilds. Hoping to find lodging somewhere close. I have never been before. Bringing my adult Granddaughter who is a animal freak. We are looking forward to seeing everything you have to offer. We are members of the Toledo Zoo and visit there regularly.