Press Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 10, 2007

Cumberland, OH (Sept. 10, 2007) – Even though the regular Safari Transport visitor season at the Wilds ends at the end of October, special events continue throughout the fall, winter and spring that highlight the unique conservation education opportunities at the Wilds.

Situated on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, the Wilds provides an excellent opportunity for families, individuals, and groups to explore and experience the Wilds’ forests, wetlands, and prairie habitats through the Family Camp weekend, Wilds Photo Safari, and Winter On the Wilds programs.

These special events allow visitors an opportunity to observe both native wildlife and some behind-the-scenes opportunities with the Wilds’ managed species – rare and endangered animals from around the world.

“Our off-season public programs are some of the most exciting,” said Laura Busby, Director of Conservation Education at the Wilds. “They give people an opportunity to learn first hand about many facets of the unique and dynamic environment at the Wilds.”

New this season is the Family Camp overnight experience Sept. 29 and 30. This program for adults and children begins at the Columbus Zoo, and includes bus transportation to the Wilds, many fun and hands-on conservation education programs, overnight at the Wilds’ yurt village camp, Safari Transport tour, meals, and transportation back to the Columbus Zoo.

An exciting, day-long Wilds Photo Safari takes place Oct. 13. This off-road tour is designed for both the professional and serious hobbyist and will include opportunities for capturing images of both native and managed species at the Wilds, plus spectacular scenery and landscapes. Participants must be a member of the Wilds for this exclusive event.

The Winter On the Wilds programs take place on Saturdays throughout the fall, winter, and spring. Designed by the Wilds’ professional conservation education staff, these day-long programs provide immersive and memorable learning opportunities on a wide variety of topics.

The Winter On the Wilds program schedule is as follows:

Fall Owl Call Oct. 13. Learn about owl natural history, food habitats, and go for a night hike to call in owls.

Waterfowl Identification Day Oct. 27. Hike the wetlands and drive to many Wilds and AEP lakes in search of fall ducks.

Tracking the Wilds Nov. 10. Follow the wild trail to learn about wildlife signs, create track casts, check bobcat scent stations, and observe wildlife.

Hike 'n Hayride Nov. 17. Enjoy an informative hike through the middle of the Wilds, followed by a hayride.
Wilds Trail Day Nov. 24. Learn and practice proper trail construction and maintenance with Wilds naturalists and explore unknown reaches of the Wilds.

Wildcats Dec. 1. Check out several bobcat scent stations for tracks and discuss bobcat natural history and behavior, and visit with the cheetahs at the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center, allowing a look at the differences and similarities of some wild cats.

Forest Exploration Day Dec. 8. Learn winter tree and plant identification by bark, bud, seed and other hidden characteristics as well as study forest ecology, and wander some of the hinterlands of the Wilds.

Wild, Winter Tour Dec. 15. Come see what the animals at the Wilds do in the winter. See who stays out and who comes in. Visit winter animal facilities and see some species up close.

Raptor Field Identification Day Jan. 5, 2008. Enjoy live bird presentations by the Columbus Zoo staff and field identification training on the Wilds.

Eagle Survey Day Jan. 12, 2008. Count bald and golden eagles on the Wilds and along the neighboring eagle habitats.

Raptor Field Identification Day Feb. 9, 2008. Enjoy live bird presentations by the Columbus Zoo staff and field identification training on the Wilds.

Prairie Exploration Day March 8, 2008. Observe bison herds, learn about grassland ecology, and search for other grassland species.

Cabin Fever Tour March 22, 2008. This will be the last chance of the season to see the Wilds’ animals in their winter facilities. See some species up close.

Advance reservations are required to attend any of the special events. More information, including prices, event details and times, are available at www.thewilds.org, or by calling 740-638-5030 x2286.

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