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Cumberland, OH – The Wilds is bustling with excitement as 23 babies were born from mid-March through April. Guests have the opportunity to view these little ones in pasture as The Wilds is now fully open for the summer season. Most importantly, these babies are contributing to the future of two at-risk species: the Sichuan takin and Père David’s deer, which is listed as extinct in the wild.
Between March 11 and April 13, 2023, nine takin kids were welcomed to experienced mothers, who were also born at The Wilds. This conservation center and safari park is home to the largest breeding herd of Sichuan takin in North America and is the only zoological facility to manage a large herd in natural breeding groups. Throughout The Wilds’ history, more than 125 takin kids were born, and over 30 have moved to other zoological facilities as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). The SSP program is designed to maintain a sustainable population and genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in human care.
With a large herd consisting of more than 50 individuals able to roam in a wide area, The Wilds offers the perfect place to observe takin for comparative studies. The Wilds significantly contributes valuable knowledge about this species, which is challenging to study in its remote native range. Sichuan takin are native to the same region of China as the giant panda and areas along the eastern margin of the Tibetan plateau. Known as “goat-antelopes,” the Sichuan takin is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union For Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™ due to threats, including overhunting and habitat loss.
The Wilds has also helped to protect this species through support of field work in China. This work included developing field anesthesia protocols, testing tracking collar designs, and curating a video catalog of takin behavior. Wilds staff members were also involved in placing satellite collars on seven takin in China. The information from these collars has since been used to help researchers learn more about how these animals move and use their native habitat. This collaborative project included the Wildlife Conservation Society, Smithsonian, and various partners in China.
Additionally, from March 23 through April 23, 16 fawns were welcomed into The Wilds’ Père David’s deer herd. The Wilds has the largest Père David’s deer breeding herd in any North American zoological facility, and each birth is extremely important for this species. Named after French missionary Father Armand David who was the first Westerner to identify them, Père (the French word for “father”) David’s deer are good swimmers and native to low-lying grasslands and reed beds in China. Due to overhunting and habitat loss, the population rapidly declined and was almost extinct by the early 1900s. An English noble founded a herd on his estate with the remaining deer, and all of the Père David’s deer alive today are descendants of this herd.
Thanks to breeding efforts at zoological facilities and other conservation organizations, two herds (consisting of fewer than 100 animals) were re-introduced to China in the 1980s. Today, there are more than 7,000 Père David’s deer living in one reserve in China, and an estimated 600 deer living totally in the wild. The IUCN continues to list the species as Extinct in the Wild until the re-introduced population has proven to be sustainable. Including The Wilds, Père David’s deer can only be found in 8 AZA-accredited zoological facilities, and The Wilds has welcomed more than 200 fawns.
“We are extremely proud of our successful breeding programs and the positive impact they are making for these extremely rare species. As part of our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., we are also dedicated to sharing important information about Sichuan takin and Père David’s deer with our guests so they are aware of these species, inspired by their conservation success stories, and engaged in taking action to help protect these animals’ future,” said Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President of The Wilds.
Currently, all of the babies are in The Wilds’ pasture with their herds and may be spotted during tours. The Winter Wildside tours ended for the season over the weekend, and as of May 1, 2023, The Wilds is officially open for the full summer season, offering a variety of activities that are fun for the whole family.
To observe the rare and endangered species living at The Wilds from around the globe, guests can choose from several daily tour options. The Open-Air Safari Tour, presented by G&J Pepsi, 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. During a Wildside Tour, presented by AEP Ohio, guests can experience 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.
Guests can also select from a variety of specialty tours to soak in The Wilds’ stunning scenery. From soaring over the animal pastures on a Zipline Safari Tour, relaxing during a Fishing Safari on one of nearly 100 lakes, saddling up on a Horseback Safari through the quiet prairies, marveling at the sky’s colors during one of our Sunset Tours, or taking part in Birding at The Wilds, there’s an adventure for everyone!
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.
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.
