Enjoy New and Exciting Summer Adventures at The Wilds

Cumberland, OH – There is something for everyone this summer at The Wilds, where individuals will find tranquility and groups can reconnect with nature along with their friends and family. Whether they plan a day full of inspiring wildlife adventures or a weekend getaway complete with relaxing under the stars, guests can enjoy a variety of new experiences and opportunities—all while helping to support some of the world’s rare and endangered species.

NEW TOUR AND SPECIAL PROMOTION
Animal Enrichment Workshop. This brand-new workshop offers a unique, hand-on experience for groups or 10 people or more to learn more about the importance of animal enrichment and then work with team members to create items to directly benefit the animals. After the workshop, guests will receive photos and/or videos of the enrichment in action.

Fishing Safari: BOGO Offer for June! For the month of June only, The Wilds is offering a buy one, get one free offer on all Fishing Safaris. Unwind on the water by casting out into one of The Wilds’ peaceful lakes, surrounded by rolling hills of grasslands and forests.

All fishing at The Wilds is catch and release, and an Ohio Fishing License is required for all participants.
Fish species include: largemouth bass, redear sunfish, brown bullhead, bluegill, channel catfish, green sunfish, longear sunfish, pumpkinseed, white crappie, warmouth, and bullhead
Guests can use a boat supplied by The Wilds or fish from the bank of one of The Wilds’ scenic lakes. Each boat is designed to accommodate two guests and is equipped with a trolling motor to use during the excursions.
The excursions, with up to six guests per trip, are four hours long, including travel time.
An attendant is with guests during their excursion to transport them to and from the fishing locations, as well as answer questions and assist with equipment.

EXCITING EVENTS LINEUP
Outings at the Outpost: A Conversation Series. New for 2023, the Outings at the Outpost event series highlights a wide variety of conservation topics led by experts from The Wilds and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. For fans of “Secrets of the Zoo,” there will be many familiar faces leading presentations from June 7 through August 30, including: Adam, Curt, Zak, Cody, Dan, Lacey, Juston, Genelle, Dr. Priya, Dr. Jan, and Dr. Priscilla, and another community favorite, Dr. Joe Smith.

The event includes:

A customized chat from members of The Wilds’ teams, such as Animal Management, Conservation, Veterinary Medicine, and the Columbus Zoo’s Animal Health team
Hors d'oeuvres
Charcuterie boards
Wine offerings
Cash bar
A discount for members or guests with lodging reservations the day of the event

Giraffe Painting Party. On June 17, 2023, guests can take in stunning pasture views while painting to their heart’s delight during a Giraffe Painting Party held at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in honor of World Giraffe Day. Guests will then venture to the Giraffe Barn to interact with these magnificent animals.

During this event, participants will:

Create a beautiful painting under the guidance of a local artist
Help support wildlife conservation, as a portion of the proceeds from this event will help support the Giraffe Conservation Foundation
Meet the Animal Care professionals who look after the giraffes every day
Enjoy complimentary snacks and a cash bar

More information about all of The Wilds’ events is available on The Wilds’ website.

RETURNING FAVORITES
Open-Air Safari Tour. This safari tour provides guests with the opportunity to feel the breeze from an open-air vehicle as a knowledgeable guide drives along paths through vast pastures where species such as deer, antelope, zebras, and rhinos roam. Open-Air Safari Tours are presented by G&J Pepsi.

Wildside Tour. Guests will enjoy up-close wildlife experiences from the back of a specially modified four-wheel drive truck as an Animal Management team member drives them closer to the action off the regular tour roads. During this summer season, the Wildside Tour also provides guests with the unique opportunity to visit the Giraffe Barn to interact with the world’s tallest mammal species. The giraffes are currently residing at the barn while their pasture shelter is completed as part of the conservation center’s commitment to enhance their care and wellbeing. Wildside Tours are presented by AEP Ohio.

Zipline Safari Tour. Guests with a love for wildlife and a passion for adventure can soar over animal pastures during one of The Wilds’ professionally-guided zipline experiences.

Horseback Safari. Guests can soak in the beauty of The Wilds’ quiet prairies by saddling up on a Horseback Safari. This experience is great for novice and experienced riders.

Additional information about these experiences and more can be found on The Wilds’ Tours page.

OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
With so many experiences available, a wild weekend getaway is a great option for guests who wish to enjoy one of The Wilds’ overnight accommodations.

Nomad Ridge is an adults-only getaway that includes a private yurt overlooking the animal pastures.
For larger groups of up to 12 people, the Lodge is the perfect home away from home, as guests will stay in a private luxury cabin tucked away next to one of The Wilds’ most scenic lakes.
Families looking for another great place to stay will enjoy The Wilds’ Cabins at Straker Lake. Each cabin offers accommodations for up to six guests with comfortable living areas and kitchens. This area is the perfect destination for a family vacation or corporate retreat, as guests can enjoy a communal dining hall where they can gather and enjoy each other’s company.
Wildnights at the Outpost offers guests the opportunity to spend the night in the middle of The Wilds’ pastures with rhinos and other rare and incredible species nearby.

PLANNING A VISIT: HELPFUL TIP FOR JUNE

For guests heading to The Wilds between June 5-21, 2023, an alternate route may be necessary. State Route 146 will be closed in both directions while the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) works on the roadway. This will affect guests traveling from the west through Zanesville.

As an alternate during this time:

Continue traveling east on I-70
Take the SR83 exit in New Concord (exit 169)
Proceed on SR 83 S 12 miles to Cumberland
Turn right onto SR 146 W
Proceed 5 miles; turn left onto Zion Ridge Road
Proceed 3.5 miles; turn left onto SR 284
Proceed 1 mile; turn left onto International Road
Proceed 1/2 mile to The Wilds' entrance
Additional directions are available on The Wilds’ website.

For more information about The Wilds’ conservation initiatives, educational offerings, how to become a member, or to schedule a tour, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

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About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. Normal hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from May through October. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.