The Wilds — Zoo in Muskingum County

The Wilds and its collection

The Wilds, opened in 1994, is a zoo in Cumberland, United States.

The land is reclaimed strip-mine ground of 37.04 sq km, taking in 8.1 sq km of pasture and a 27-acre carnivore centre. Over 15 miles of bike and walking trails run across it, along with around 150 lakes. Visitor activities include ziplines, horse riding and fishing.

History

It was founded through a public-private body assembled in the late 1970s that linked two Ohio state departments, the state's zoos and private partners. Its 9,154 acres were donated by the Central Ohio Coal Company.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include African Painted Dog, Banteng, Dhole, Persian Onager and Bactrian Camel.

Things to do

Things to do include Open-Air Safari, Wildside Safari and Hellbender RV Campground.

Conservation and approach

Conservation work spans professional training, husbandry and conservation medicine, with three projects intended as models for the field. The site holds Audubon Important Bird Area status and has a covered birding lookout and a butterfly habitat.

What the venue says

• Wildside Safari
• $9 per vehicle
• Wheelchair-accessible tour vehicles are available for Open-Air Safaris and Wildside Safaris
• A complimentary ticket is provided to a required professional caregiver or companion assisting a guest with a disability
• Sensory bags equipped with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, and visual cue cards are available for check-out
• traditional service animals are restricted on select tours