Let's take a look at the exciting adventures offered at The Wilds, and particularly, a tour that I recently took during my internship.
My POV of an Open-Air Safari
My journey on this wild ride was an unforgettable experience! Trekking through The Wilds' pastures on this tour bus allowed me to get up close and personal with wildlife with a tour guide taking us on a one-of-a-kind adventure through different prairies that animals call home.
After I boarded the bus, I was immediately greeted with kindness by the tour guide. Every seat had an open view of the breathtaking expanse of wilderness, and I even got up close with so many different animals! As we drove off, our tour guide gave us a brief history of the land and how it came to be known as one of the largest conservation facilities in North America, from coal mines to pastures, and how its growth came to be on these 10,000 acres of land.
We started our journey by seeing the Bactrian camel, and I discovered that they are one of the most threatened large mammal species. Our tour guide explained that The Wilds is participating in different studies to help understand and protect these camels. As the tour guide moved the bus to ensure everyone could get up close to take the best picture, he explained that the humps on a camel are to store fat to ensure its survival when food is scarce!
Up next was the Bactrian deer. These deer were all cozied up with one another, but you couldn't miss them with their large antlers. As part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Program (SSP), The Wilds breed these deer to help increase healthy and diverse populations. In fact, The Wilds actively contribute to preserving endangered species and their habitats through research, breeding programs, and collaborations with global conservation organizations. By participating in an open-air safari, you're directly supporting these essential conservation initiatives.
Our next stop was the Carnivore Center...the perfect mid-way point in the tour. We were able to disembark the bus, walk around, and explore the center on raised paths and lookout points. It had so many walkways and second-story observation centers! The staff working at the center was fantastic and gave me so many facts about the animals there, and you could really see the passion each staff member had for The Wilds. Cheetahs were out roaming the land, and I even saw them get fed by the staff! I stopped for a mid-day snack, and of course, had to get Dippin' Dots. One staff member came over and chatted about the painted dogs with me and a few guests, and I learned that the painted dog coat pattern is unique to each individual...like a fingerprint!
After about 30 minutes, we loaded back into the bus, exited the Carnivore Center, and headed to the next pasture.
Up next was my personal favorite part of the tour...seeing the new baby rhino and zebra…who doesn't love a baby animal?! The baby zebra I saw was always in close range of its mother and pranced around her anytime the bus would move. Our bus driver stopped the bus so we all could get a good picture of the little striped baby. (Fun Fact...there are actually two zebra foals at The Wilds named Memphis and Independence!)
The new baby rhino, Liam, was napping beside his mother. Rhinos are a fan favorite at The Wilds, and everyone was in awe of the latest addition to the Southern White Rhino family.
The open-air safari allows you to connect with these creatures profoundly; you witness their behaviors and perhaps even lock eyes with them in a unique way!
Book your Open-Air Safari here!
More Tours Available at The Wilds
Other Tours at The Wilds
Wildside Safari
Off the road and into the pasture! This one-of-a-kind experience will take you even closer to the animals in the back of a customized pickup truck. With a tour guide from our Animal Management team, you are guaranteed an educational experience and a personal approach to rare and endangered animals.
Book your Wildside Safari here
Horseback Safari
Get on the saddle, and into the wild you go! Experience the beauty The Wilds has to offer while on horseback. While this tour does not go into animal habitats, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of adjacent fields filled with flowers and wildlife. This tour can be booked alone or can be an add-on to other safaris that The Wilds offers!
Book your Horseback Safari here
Zipline Safari
Experience The Wilds in flight! This tour guarantees unforgettable views as you fly over animal pastures and explore nature's beauty from a bird’ eye view. This tour can be booked alone or can be an add-on to other safaris that The Wilds offers!
Fishing Safari
Relax, unwind, and cast your line in remote locations that guarantee serenity and peace with nature. Use one of The Wilds' boats or fish from the land; either way, this makes the perfect getaway.
Winter Wildside Tour
The fun at The Wilds goes all year long! Grab a coat and take an indoor tour of our animal barns! Here, you can experience a tour like no other...from baby rhinos running around the barn to giraffe feedings!
Book your Winter Wildside Tour here
This extraordinary destination provides a captivating and unforgettable experience for all ages.
From open-air safaris to behind-the-scenes explorations, you are bound to leave here feeling closer to The Wilds and all that it cares for. Our goal in every tour is to teach our conservation efforts while creating memories you will cherish forever...I know I will!
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