Rare and endangered species, such as these Southern White Rhinos, can be seen roaming in a natural habitat at The Wilds. (Credit: Ken Drenten)
By Ken Drenten
Nestled in the hills and valleys of Muskingum County east of Zanesville is a special place called The Wilds, 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface mining land that is home to rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other rare or endangered animals.
The Wilds is one of the world’s largest and innovative conservation centers, with a mission to advance conservation through science, education, and personal experience. It was recently named the Best Safari Park in Ohio by a national publication.
The highlight of what The Wilds offers are the many options for open-air and closed-vehicle safari tours that traverse the parkland and give visitors excellent views of all the animals at the center in natural habitat. Safari tours can be customized for birding, fishing, ziplining, horseback riding and other options. Safari guides educate groups about animals, ecology, and the crucial conservation work happening at The Wilds.
Guests can also plan extended stays at The Wilds. Overnight lodging options offer a diverse range of experiences, from cozy cabins and a charming lodge to luxurious yurts and immersive camping in pastures where you’ll find endangered species as your neighbors. A brand-new RV campground offers full-service RV spots, primitive campsites, and amenities like hiking trails, a playground, and a dog park.
The Wilds is a 10,000-acre preserve of reclaimed surface mining land donated for animal preservation by American Electric Power. (Credit: Ken Drenten)
The Wilds also offers a full-service gift and souvenir shop and three different food options for snacks, sandwiches, salads, desserts and drinks. Picnic shelters and tables are also available.
Other features at The Wilds include a challenging complex of mountain bike trails, bird-watching including a designated bird-watching deck, and a butterfly habitat.
The Wilds is also within minutes of Jesse Owens State Park, which offers primitive camping, fishing, horseback riding trails and picnicking, and Salt Fork State Park, which offers a wide range of activities including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, golf course, cabins and lodge.
The Wilds opened to the public in 1994 and sits on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed, surface-mined land donated for animal conservation by American Electric Power, which produced coal from the land since the 1940s. The largest dragline in the world, Big Muskie, once operated in this area. Its dragline bucket is on display to the public, along with a history of mining in the area, at Miners Memorial Park in Jesse Owens State Park.
Read more: Big Muskie leaves legacy of productivity, stewardship – Feb. 13, 2024
Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.
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