Cumberland, Ohio – With a commitment to making a positive impact on saving wild animals and wild places, veterinarian Joseph A. Smith, DVM, is the new vice president of The Wilds, one of North America's largest wildlife conservation centers. Located near Cumberland, Ohio, The Wilds is managed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as part of its global animal care and conservation work.

Selected through a national search, Smith joins The Wilds from his position as Director of Animal Programs at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, where he directed animal health and programs for 18 years. He begins his post on Nov. 1, replacing Jan Ramer, DVM, who in April became Senior VP Animal Care and Conservation for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

"We are delighted to have Joe lead The Wilds with his passion for saving animals from extinction,” said  Ramer. “His work in the care and conservation of threatened and endangered species and his executive management skills are a perfect fit for a job that requires a diversity of talents and passion for wildlife."

As Director of Animal Programs at the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, Smith oversees animal care, exhibit design, conservation, research, animal health, animal nutrition, records, and behavioral management programs.

"I have admired The Wilds for a long time -- the dedicated staff, their expertise, and the impact their work has on saving species,” said Smith. "The facility is truly awe-inspiring. I’m so excited to be a part of such an exceptional group that is truly committed to conservation."

Smith attended Louisiana State University for both undergraduate studies and veterinary school. In building his career in animal welfare and conservation, Smith serves in numerous advisory roles in the conservation community, including as the Orangutan Species Survival Plan (SSP) veterinary advisor, the Passerine Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) steering committee member, the Monotreme and Marsupial TAG veterinary advisor, the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) North American Songbirds treasurer, and Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation inspector. Smith also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.    

For more information or to schedule a tour, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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About The Wilds

The Wilds, one of the largest conservation centers in North America, is home to rare and endangered animals from around the world along with hundreds of indigenous species. The mission of The Wilds, a nonprofit organization managed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. 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 September, and on Saturdays and Sundays in October. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.