CUMBERLAND, Ohio — The Wilds is an international experience working to lead and inspire by connecting people with wildlife.
“We’ve got over 9,000, almost 10,000 acres here, and large herds of endangered animals, and lots of outdoor adventures," said Dr. Joe Smith, vice president of The Wilds.
Activities range from zip lining to safari tours. Every season offers a unique experience.
“Spring is baby season. In the summer, you’ve got green grass and rolling hills and the prairies," said Smith. "In the fall, you’ve got the beautiful leaves changing color and even in the winter when it’s snowy, you get to see a whole other perspective of The Wilds and kind of get to see some of our animals when they’re in the barns if you take one of our Winter Wildside Tours."
Dan Beetem, Director of Animal Management, said working with animals in wide open spaces is a different challenge than in a typical zoo.
“One of the lucky things about having animals out in hundreds of acres, you don’t have to pick up after them. Plus, they’ve got food all around them, so most of the animals out here do just fine on the natural vegetation, which is actually a really good thing for them,” said Beetem.
He says if you look at conservation issues, “pretty much every issue is caused by humans.” So, Beetem enjoys educating others about how to responsibly co-exist.
Smith finds a similar fulfillment.
“So my favorite thing about working here just the conservation mission that is part of everything that we do, every department here, every program here is focused on conservation, saving animals, saving wild places, and inspiring people to come and do the same when they come and visit,” said Smith.
Open air safari tours operate from May through October. However, The Wilds offers Winter Wildside tours, which takes visitors behind the scenes to the barns to show where many of the animals spend their winters.