A Trip into the Wilds

For lovers of nature, you should not miss an opportunity to take a trip down to the Wilds wildlife preserve located in the Muskingum County of Ohio. As a private, non-profit wildlife conservation, the Wilds is a 9,154 acres of reclaimed coal mine land housing more than 25 non-native and hundreds of native species.

The Wilds is more than your regular conservation reserve. As one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in the world, Ohio bus charter visitors can board a Safari Transport or Open-Air Safari to learn more about rare and endangered animals that are roaming freely in this large, natural habitat.

Visitors to the Wilds are able to pick their own personal adventure called a P.A.C.E., or more known as a Personal Adventure in Conservation Education. Many different tour destinations are available such as the Lake Trail, the new Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center where you can view cheetahs, African wild dogs, and dholes. Another interesting destination that should not be missed is the Sunset Safaris, or even the private Wildside Tours should you prefer something a little more tailored.

The Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center is 60-acres large and houses many different carnivores. This center has features that visitors would find helpful such as walking trails, elevated broadwalks, and observation decks where you can appreciate the stunning views of various highly-sociable animals.

The Lake Trail is an enclosure sized at five-acre located within the animal area. There is a path built for walking towards the dock on Spillman Lake, which is the largest lake out of the more than 100 lakes in this area. For those of you who want to learn more about the conservation projects and scientific studies conducted by the Wilds Restoration Ecology group, you can head over for a series of showcases held at demonstration areas around Lake Trail.

In the midst of the largest section of the animal area, lies the Outpost. In it, you can enjoy panorama of the rolling grasslands, and at your leisure, observe rhinos, antelopes and many various wildlife in their natural habitat. This place would be ideal for photographers to catch animals in their element.

In this next unique habitat – the Wetland Trail – you can explore this disappearing ecosystem via a walking trail or observation decks. With the help of naturalists who lead many walks and activities, you can learn about plants and animals that are unique to swamps, wetlands and marshes.

Other than rhinos and cheetahs, you can also catch glimpses of songbirds, raptors and waterfowl at the Birding Station at Jeffrey Point. For a spot of camping, you should then head on down to Nomad Ridge at the Wilds that caters for adults interested in a luxurious special getaway.