Celebrating 30 Years of Conservation
The Wilds is marking a milestone in its mission to protect and preserve endangered species.
This year the wildlife conservation center celebrates its 30th Anniversary, reflecting on three decades of dedication to conservation, education and sustainable practices. Spanning nearly 10,000 acres, The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in North America. It was established in 1994 and has grown from a reclaimed coal mine to a sanctuary for endangered animals from around the world.
“We’ve got a special 30th anniversary logo and it features the przewalski horse which is exciting, one because it was the very first species we brought to The Wilds and it’s got a great history, it’s one of those species that actually went extinct in the wild, you know they disappeared from China and Mongolia all together, and they only exist today because of programs from places like The Wilds and now there are several hundred of them back in China and Mongolia again and that’s kind of our story, you know that idea that we want to be here to protect wildlife, to tell those stories,” said Director of Animal Management Dan Beetem.
Over the past three decades The Wilds has made significant progress in breeding programs, research, and species reintroduction efforts. The center’s work has not only helped to increase populations of endangered species but has also contributed valuable scientific knowledge to the global conservation community.
“They’ve got this amazing place here, this amazing resource, you know we’re here, we do so much conservation work but we want to be able to share it with folks, we do have, again check the website, we will have some specials for local guests and discounts for people from the immediate counties around us, we want people to come out and take advantage of it and enjoy it, we’ve got some amazing programs that we’re starting with schools in Muskingum county, thanks to some grants from the Straker Foundation we’re building a program 4th grade program where we’re trying to get every 4th grader in Muskingum county out here for trips and to learn about this place and to take advantage of it,” explained Bettem.
The Wilds also offers a range of activities for visitors, including dining, zip-lining, horseback riding, guided tours, fishing safaris and overnight adventures at The Outpost. Guests can also stay at their lodge or enjoy luxury yurts and campsites. Future plans include expanding their research capabilities, adding an RV campsite, and furthering their efforts to protect endangered species.
