Cheetah Cub Named After Longtime Wilds Supporter

One of six cheetah cubs born at The Wilds on Halloween of 2019 has received a name that honors J. William “Bill” Straker, a Zanesville resident and longtime supporter of The Wilds.

The male cheetah’s name is “Preep.” A name that Straker was called by his oldest grandchild Dr. Sam Henderson and many others that came to affectionately use the nickname.

Straker passed away in May 2020.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and friendship we share with the Straker family. Bill Straker, a World War II veteran, was steadfast in his mission to serve others throughout his life and we are proud that The Wilds has been a part of his vision in giving back to the community in a variety of ways. Preep the cheetah is a very inquisitive one-year-old, who loves playing with his five siblings under the watchful eye of mom, Pumzika. Preep has the darkest head colorings of all her cubs and also has expressive ‘eyebrow’ marks. His care team also describes him as being full of personality—a perfect combination to honor the life of the human ‘Preep,’ whose legacy has played a huge part in helping The Wilds carry out our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, vice president of The Wilds.

Several project have been funded at The Wilds by the Straker family including the Cabins at Straker Lake, which are available year-round for overnight stays.

Additionally in 2021 guest can expect to enjoy a nature trail: Currently under construction thanks to support by the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, this 1.5-mile trail will follow along the picturesque Straker Lake. The trail is set to be covered with wood chips and will include a small gazebo to offer guests a chance to relax and take in the beautiful views. The trail will also take guests through some of the most lovely hardwood forests on The Wilds’ property, as well as wetlands and grasslands that represent different landscapes that have been restored at The Wilds.

·Basketball and volleyball courts: To offer opportunities for a little fun and friendly competition, a half-court basketball court, as well as a sand volleyball court, will also be available to guests as the result of the generosity of Jane Straker and her husband, Joe Humphreys. Located across from Straker Hall, a central location for guests staying in the cabins, these courts also serve in carrying out the spirit of teamwork.

During their stay this winter, guests can also book a Winter at The Wilds Tour, which are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. through April. Preep, his siblings (whose names will also be announced soon), Pumzika, the cubs’ father, Finnick, and the other cheetahs can be seen by guests during Open-Air Safari Tours and Wildside Tours, which will resume in May.

For more information and updates, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information about the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation, please visit www.strakerfoundation.org.