The Wilds

As we kick off National Zookeeper Appreciation Week today, July 21, we want to shine a spotlight on the amazing Animal Management team members at The Wilds. Our Animal Management team is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that each resident at The Wilds receives the highest level of care and attention. Their dedication to animal wellbeing, conservation, and education is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether they’re providing specialized veterinary care, creating enriching environments, or sharing their expertise with our visitors, their passion and commitment are evident in every aspect of their work. From the rarest species to the most majestic creatures, our Animal Management team works tirelessly to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our animals. Their efforts in conservation and breeding programs are helping to protect endangered species and preserve our planet’s biodiversity. Join us in expressing our deepest gratitude to these incredible professionals during National Zookeeper Appreciation Week. If you visit The Wilds, take a moment to thank an Animal Management team member! Let’s celebrate the remarkable individuals who make The Wilds a sanctuary of hope and learning. Thank you, Animal Management team, for all that you do!

American Burying Beetles: ✔️ Prairie Habitats: ✔️ Hellbenders: ✔️ These are just a few of the conservation projects we have going on at The Wilds. 10,000 acres allows for a lot of impactful work for local biodiversity! We're also involved in global projects as well, and you can find them all at https://lnkd.in/gxyikuca

The conservation efforts at The Wilds can be felt globally. Check out our impact, and learn how YOU can get involved, at https://lnkd.in/gehyUP8w.

Did you know that the Przewalski's Wild Horse was considered extinct in the wild in the 1960s, but have made a strong comeback thanks to conservation efforts like those at The Wilds? In fact, this beautiful species was one of the first animals to be introduced to The Wilds when it opened over 30 years ago. https://lnkd.in/g7aFxWYF

Looking for weekend plans in southeast Ohio? What about ziplining over trees and animal pastures? Experienced guides will zip with you, so if you've never zipped before, you're in great hands! Pro Tip: Add the POV camera to your helmet for the ultimate video! Head to the Tours link in our bio.

What's included in a cabin rental at The Wilds, located in beautiful rural southeast Ohio? - A complimentary Open-Air Safari tour when you stay between May 1 and October 31 - A rowboat and private boat dock - Catch-and-release fishing - Basketball and volleyball courts - A private hiking trail ...and a lot more! Book yours at https://lnkd.in/eAUXXdsV

The Wilds, in partnership with the Wildlife Restoration Foundation, InterTribal Buffalo Council, and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has successfully relocated 74 bison from The Wilds conservation center in Ohio to the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. This significant transfer marks a major milestone in The Wilds' bison conservation plan, showcasing a robust commitment to both ecological and cultural preservation. The American bison, a keystone species and the National Mammal of the United States, plays a critical role in maintaining prairie ecosystems and holds immense cultural significance for Tribal nations across the Great Plains. Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President at The Wilds, shared, "The transfer of these bison is a crucial step in our mission to restore this keystone species to its native range while respecting the profound cultural connections many tribes and communities have with the bison. This collaborative effort underscores the vital importance of bison in maintaining the health of prairie ecosystems and in supporting cultural heritage." After months of careful and collaborative planning to ensure that all went smoothly, on May 9, 2024, The Wilds, Wildlife Restoration Foundation, InterTribal Buffalo Council, and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) successfully moved 74 bison to the Cheyenne River Reservation, home to the four bands of the Titunwan People of the Plains. To perform a traditional CRST ceremony giving thanks for buffalo, CRST Tribal Elder Ivan Looking Horse traveled to The Wilds for the day of departure. Involving The Wilds staff, the moving ceremony was held before the bison departed on their journey to their new home. It included tribal prayers in the native language of the CRST and burning of the sage. The Wilds, in collaboration with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is leading the way in bison conservation through the North American Center for Bison Conservation. This initiative brings together The Wilds staff, the Wildlife Restoration Foundation, the InterTribal Buffalo Council, federal, state, and tribal entities, private conservancies, and zoological facilities to manage large-scale bison herds, furthering conservation efforts both in professional care and wild protected areas. Together, we are making a lasting impact for both nature and communities, exemplifying The Wilds' mission of “Empowering People. Saving Wildlife”. Read more at https://lnkd.in/gdeNn_MY

We're celebrating our 30th anniversary this year, but the land that The Wilds sits on has a long history before that, too. In fact, it was used for surface mining. Thanks to the vision of community leaders in the 1970s, this once coal-mined land in southeast Ohio has been transformed into one of the world's largest and innovative conservation centers, with a mission to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. Learn more about our history at https://lnkd.in/g7aFxWYF

The Wilds' 30th Anniversary celebration continues! For the month of July, Open-Air *Sunset* Safaris are only $83/person! Starting at 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays only, this tour is two hours long and includes dinner. What a great way to spend a summer night! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gYRyUNGt. Open-Air Safaris are proudly presented by G&J Pepsi. 🦏 🦒

Nomad Ridge at The Wilds is the ultimate camping experience for couples! What are you waiting for? Book a luxury yurt today! https://lnkd.in/g746_QnK