Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2008

Cumberland, Ohio (March 3, 2008) – Since it opened to the public in 1994, the Wilds has offered unique lifelong learning opportunities for visitors. The signature experience is a Safari Transport tour through open-range habitat where visitors can see and learn about the conservation efforts taking place to support the rare and endangered species at the Wilds.

As one of the largest conservation centers in North America, the Wilds also offers an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to explore forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats on its 10,000 acres of reclaimed strip mine lands in Southeast Ohio.

With this unique setting as an asset, summer WildeCamps for youth were created in 2001. In keeping with the Wilds’ mission of advancing conservation, WildeCampers actively engage in conservation learning and practices, from local to global levels, with an exciting array of immersive, educational activities.

The Wilds’ professional conservation education staff continues to create new programs while building on the success of existing programs like WildeCamp.

“As these youth programs became more in demand, adults began asking us if they could come for the learning experience, too,” said Laura Busby, director of Conservation Education at the Wilds.

As a result, a variety of new overnight experiences in conservation education have been created for the 2008 season specifically with adults and families in mind. They include:

Into the Wilds May 16-18 and July 4-6
This three-day adventure for the whole family includes night safari tours, visits to animal facilities, wildlife discussions with Wilds staff, capturing and releasing wildlife, games, campfires, and explorations of wild areas. Cost is $150 adults; $120 children under 12.

Family Camps June 20-22, July 18-20, and Aug 1-3
Adults, too, can now join with their kids to experience summer camp life at the Wilds’ yurt village, muckin’ in the marsh, fishing backcountry lakes, rappelling, canoeing, wildlife watching, and all the fun learning opportunities of WildeCamp. Cost is $150 adults; $120 children under 12.

Wilds Art Camp Aug. 15-17
Join art teachers in the season of wildflower abundance on the Wilds. Use different media and improve your artistic technique as you explore both the detailed and sweeping visuals at this 10,000-acre wildlife center. This camp is designed for those ages 18 and older. Cost is $150 per person.

Wilds Photo Camp Sept 26-28
Head out on safari in search of Asian rhinos, African antelope, soaring raptors and spectacular scenery -- without ever leaving Ohio! At a pace that allows ample time to explore the decisive visual moments, you'll learn photo techniques from expert photographers and build your portfolio of stunning flora, landscapes, and wildlife during this exclusive opportunity. This camp is designed for those ages 18 and older. Cost is $150 per person.

The Wild Vet Camp that began in 2007 as part of the WildeCamp program has been expanded to include two more career learning opportunities and is now called Working Wild Camp.

Working Wild Camp Aug. 10-15
This hands-on practicum camp is for youth ages 14 to 19 wanting to learn more about being a wildlife veterinarian, naturalist, or animal management specialist. Lab and field classes with Wilds staff will provide many opportunities to learn about these important careers in conservation. Cost is $575; $518 for Wilds members.

Lodging for all overnight camp programs is at the Wilds’ yurt village camp.

For more information about these programs, including registration and costs, please visit www.thewilds.org, email reservations@thewilds.org, or call 740-638-5030 x2286.

NEW 2008 VISITOR SEASON SCHEDULE

As a result of growing attendance rates, the Wilds is expanding its seasonal schedule to be open for visitors seven days a week during the months of June, July and August.

“We’re very excited about returning to being open for visitors seven day a week in the summer months,” said Bobbie Dozer, director of Visitor Operations at the Wilds.

The Wilds will continue to be open weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in May, September and October. The Wilds is also open Memorial Day and Labor Day. The opening day of the 2008 visitor season is May 3.

Hours each day are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors may board a guided Safari Transport to view rare and endangered animals living in natural, open-range habitats, and learn about the Wilds’ conservation work. Tours include a visit to the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center and other
destinations. A gift market, café, birding and butterfly areas, and group tours (by reservation) are available to visitors.

2008 Safari Transport passes are $18 adult; $17 senior; $13 children 4-12; free to Wilds members. Open-Air Safaris are $25 per person; $20 Wilds members. The Butterfly Habitat and Birding Station are free. Parking is $3.

Sunset Safaris are offered Saturdays June through September by reservation. Enjoy dinner at the Overlook Café, then board an Open-Air Safari for a twilight tour with up-close viewing of the animals when they are most active. This special tour includes a visit to the Carnivore Center and the Rhino Management Center.
Cost is $65 per person; $60 Wilds members.

OTHER 2008 SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE WILDS

11th Annual EcoThon at the Wilds April 26
This 10K/5K Trail Run and 5K Trail Walk is set to begin at 10 a.m. on the Wilds' highly-regarded cross-country course. With the theme of “It’s Doggone Wild!” proceeds from this annual fundraiser will help support the conservation work for African wild dogs at the Wilds. Registration is $30 or $25 for Wilds members, and includes a free T-shirt, Safari Transport pass, refreshments, and more. Register online at www.thewilds.org.

Birding By Ear Workshop May 30 – June 1
This overnight workshop is for beginning, intermediate, and advanced birders. Learn bird vocalizations from experts, meet new birding friends, see abundant grassland birds, learn to connect habitats with their inhabitants, and explore the uncharted bird spots on the Wilds. Lodging is in the Wilds’ yurt village. Cost is $125 per person. Pre-registration is required.

WildeCamp at the Wilds June through August
These weeklong overnight camps for youth ages 8 to 19 offer an exciting array of programs, providing an immersive experience in conservation education. Activities range from swamp romps to quiet night hikes to close encounters with wildlife from around the world. Campers stay overnight at the Wilds’ yurt village, and build lasting friendships while gaining an appreciation for conservation Please see www.thewilds.org for dates and pricing. Prices range from $270 to $575.

The mission of the Wilds, an independent, nonprofit organization, is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. The Wilds is open to visitors on select days May through October. For more information, visit www.thewilds.org.