Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2006

Cumberland, OH – The Wilds took a major step in its development recently with groundbreaking for a new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center.

With financial support from federal and state governments, as well as private sources, staff and board members of the Wilds gathered on Friday, May 12th to officially begin construction of an innovative facility for the propagation and study of several globally threatened, mid-sized carnivore species.

“This is a tipping point for us,” said Dr. Evan S Blumer, Director of the Wilds. “For a long time, we’ve been focused primarily on hoofed animals. It made sense as our first phase. But we have always planned to work on a much broader scale. And this is the first new animal facility developed since the reorganization of the Wilds 4 ½ years ago.”

Plans call for work at the new facility to focus initially on three species - cheetahs, African wild dogs and dholes (a canine from Asia) – with the potential to incorporate additional species in the future. The 60-acre facility will include approximately 22 enclosures, ranging in size from one to three acres. A 3,600 square foot building will house offices, a veterinary clinic and a viewing deck. Elevated walkways will connect the main building to viewing overlooks and a central park-like area.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $5,025,000, and funding secured for the first phase of development includes $1,000,000 from the state of Ohio, $600,000 in federal funding and $50,000 from Bricker & Eckler, LLP of Columbus, Ohio.

“We plan to have the facility ready for animals by spring of 2007,” said Blumer, “in time to welcome visitors as we open for the 2007 season.”

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in the world, with a mission to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. Located on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, the Wilds is home to more than 25 species of non-native wildlife from Africa, Asia and North America and hundreds of indigenous species. In addition to innovative, in-depth science and education programs, the Wilds offers guided experiences to the public on selected days May through October.

Further information is available by visiting www.thewilds.org or by calling 740-638-5030.