The Wilds

What an amazing day at The Wilds! 🦏🌾 On Friday, The Wilds had the honor of hosting attendees from the Zoological Association of America’s annual conference, held this year in Columbus, OH, offering them a unique Open-Air Safari experience across the nation’s largest conservation center. It was a pleasure to showcase our dedication to protecting endangered species and conserving wildlife on such a large scale. From getting up close to some of the world’s most endangered species to exploring the vast, beautiful landscapes of The Wilds, it was a day filled with excitement, learning, and collaboration. We’re proud to be part of ZAA’s mission and grateful for the opportunity to connect with passionate individuals who are as committed as we are to advancing the care, wellbeing, and conservation of wildlife. A big thank you to all the ZAA attendees for spending your time with us. We hope your visit to The Wilds inspired new ideas and continued dedication to preserving wildlife for future generations. Together, we can make a difference.

We are thrilled to highlight Mary Beth Sills, our Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator, who is currently participating in the Leadership Muskingum program!   Leadership Muskingum is a 6-month, 12-session initiative designed for individuals in Muskingum County, OH to develop leadership skills, build networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the community. Through this program, Mary Beth is expanding her knowledge in areas like government, education, and health services while sharpening her leadership abilities.   Mary Beth shared, "I hope to gain additional leadership skillsets, network with other organizations, and develop more confidence in my role. This experience will enhance my ability to make new connections, engage with other leaders, and bring in more volunteers for The Wilds."   Part of the program includes an 8-hour service project benefiting Muskingum County, further strengthening her commitment to service and community.   We are so proud to see Mary Beth take this next step in her leadership journey and know it will only continue to positively impact The Wilds and our mission of conservation and community outreach.

Exciting news! The Silent Auction for our Fall Safari event is now live. Bid on exclusive items and experiences and support The Wilds from anywhere. Auction ends October 13 at 12pm. Head to https://lnkd.in/g_QYJNRC

More trees, please! The near 10,000 seedlings planted at The Wilds since 2014 improve the forest ecosystem and provide valuable information about the best techniques to establish trees and reforest reclaimed grasslands. Our research compares the effects of site preparation techniques, planting methods, and different tree species on seedling survival. Learn more about our ecology efforts here: https://lnkd.in/gCpW89SG

We had an amazing kick-off event for our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration! Dr. Andreas Chavez, Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, discussed his story of growing up in California, his college career as an underrepresented community member, and about his journey as a mammalogist. From shrew venom to wolf populations, Dr. Chavez has done a bit of everything with mammals! Throughout his presentation, Dr. Chavez shared some of the challenges he faced as a Hispanic-Asian scientist, both in academia and in the biology field. A few things for each of us to remember: ▪️ The importance of community and how seeing people like him helped him dream, see, and ultimately reach what may have felt unreachable ▪️ Support folks who don’t historically have the privilege or opportunity to be in spaces and rooms - experiences and perspectives help make better decisions Thank you, Dr. Chavez, for sharing your story and kicking off our Hispanic Heritage Month!

Only a few weeks until Fall Safari! Have you purchased your tickets yet? Join us for an evening of adventure and philanthropy at The Wilds on October 11. We’ll also be hosting a silent auction the week leading up to the event! The auction will be live from October 6 at 12pm to October 13 at 12pm. In the meantime, you can purchase event tickets at https://lnkd.in/g_QYJNRC

Did You Know: All Bactrian camels in the United States come from a long line of domestic breeding. The IUCN considers their wild cousins Critically Endangered, with fewer than 1,000 animals thought to be left in China and Mongolia. Staff from The Wilds have worked in Mongolia, assisting with past wild Bactrian camel conservation projects, like assisting with survey work to assess the status of the remaining populations. They helped place collars on the camels for a satellite tracking project that helps to study wild camel movement and habitat use. Your donations will directly support these crucial conservation efforts! Please help us continue our camel conservation efforts with a limited time camel ADOPTion! This Adoption package includes a 12” Bactrian camel plush made 100% from recycled materials, a water bottle with The Wilds logo, a personalized certificate, a fact sheet, a photo, and free shipping and handling! Get started: https://lnkd.in/gWmkSEKa

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! At the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, we're excited to recognize and celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community. This month, we have a fantastic lineup of events to honor and educate, from powerful guest speakers to special food opportunities and cultural experiences. Here's a sneak peek of what we have planned: Week 1 – Sept. 20th Dr. Andreas Chavez, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, will share his personal journey and research in evolutionary biology. (Brown bag luncheon on Teams) Week 2 – Sept. 22nd–28th Latin American food specials will be available for team members! Week 3 – Oct. 3rd Learn about “Facts vs. Fictions” concerning the Hispanic/Latino community. Internal speakers will discuss stereotypes and provide valuable insights. Week 4 – Oct. 9th Kristina Robinson, VP of IT at Cardinal Health, will share her inspiring story, connection to the Zoo, and impact in the community. Week 5 – Oct. 13th–15th Dia de los Muertos celebration: • Columbus Zoo team members will make animal enrichments and sugar skulls while learning about this vibrant holiday. • The Wilds’ team will participate in Dia de los Muertos-themed activities and enrichments for our animals! Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and embracing the diversity that makes our community thrive. Let’s learn, grow, and connect!

African painted dogs are one of the most endangered mammals in the world, with fewer than 6,000 left in the wild. Join us on an exciting journey to learn about our incredible herd of African painted dogs at The Wilds! Discover how our teams and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' SAFE program are teaming up to protect these beautiful creatures and their natural habitats. Read our latest blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gAgEb92s

It’s the premier fundraising event in southeastern Ohio! Fall Safari is The Wilds’ annual party with a purpose...enjoy an evening of dinner, drinks, an Open-Air Safari tour, a live auction, and the satisfaction of knowing your money goes towards a great cause: The new giraffe barn, complete with a luxury hotel suite overlooking our tallest friends! Get your tickets at https://lnkd.in/g_QYJNRC