Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2007

Cumberland, OH (July 9, 2007) – The whole family can now enjoy an overnight experience at the Wilds’ WildeCamp village, complete with a Safari Transport tour and hands-on educational programs, during two weekend Family Camps on August 4 and 5, and September 29 and 30, 2007.

Family Camp begins at 9 a.m. on the Saturday of camp weekend at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Habitat Hollow. This interactive exhibit engages visitors of all ages in the components of habitats in prairies, wetlands and forests.

Families will enjoy lunch at the zoo before departing to the Wilds for a “highway habitat tour” with a Wilds interpretive staff member. After arriving at the Wilds Conservation Camp, campers can participate in a variety of water activities including wetland wading, catching water critters, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Later that afternoon, more activities take place including a forest or grassland hike to explore the Wilds’ Butterfly Habitat.

After dinner at the camp, the fun continues with habitat games, night hikes, exploring night sounds, and a campfire.

Campers spend the night at the Wilds’ yurt camp village. Yurts are Mongolian-style round structures with canvas sides, wood floors and bunk beds.

Sunday morning begins with an “early-bird” bird walk, then breakfast at the Wilds’ Overlook Café.

The day is completed with a Safari Transport tour through the Wilds’ open-range animal habitats to view rare and endangered animals such as rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelopes. The tour includes a stop at the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center to see cheetahs, African wild dogs, and dholes.

Lunch is at camp, then Family Campers depart at 1 p.m. to return to the Columbus Zoo.

Space is limited and registration is required. To make your reservation, contact the Wilds at 740-638-5030 extension 2286. Cost is $113 for adults and $98 for children 12 and under, and includes transportation, meals, overnight accommodations, safari tour, and all activities.

Situated on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, the Wilds offers a unique opportunity for families to explore forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats while also encountering wildlife from around the world.

The mission of the Wilds is to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. For more information, visit www.thewilds.org.