The Wilds

Conservation abroad! ???? Earlier this month, Genelle Uhrig (Director of Ecology) and Danny Lough (Director of Conservation Education and Engagement) travelled to Rota in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands to help Pacific Bird Conservation with the recovery of the Rota Bridled White-eye, locally known as ‘Nosa Luta.’ The Nosa Luta is a Critically Endangered species found only in the montane forests of Rota but used to inhabit most of the island. To better understand the population of Nosa Luta, Genelle and Danny assisted in the capture and care of over 30 birds to further understand their biology and care requirements for future restoration work. In addition, Genelle conducted genetics work from Nosa Luta captured during this project to answer questions around the sex of captured birds, population health, and population viability. Danny helped engage the community through school and community outreach and local high school internships. Through collaborative work, The Wilds and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are helping to save wildlife and empower the communities that live alongside them!

Want to learn how to manage large herds in large pastures? We have courses coming up in April for both animal care professionals and veterinarians. Each course is customized and taught in a small setting. BONUS: You'll stay at The Wilds, too! Get the info here: https://lnkd.in/gQZYSWQk

?? Welcome to The Wilds, Hannah! ?? We’re thrilled to introduce Hannah Smith, the new Campground Manager for Hellbender RV Campground! With a strong background in hospitality and a passion for conservation, Hannah is ready to create an unforgettable experience for our guests while supporting The Wilds’ mission of "Empowering People. Saving Wildlife." So, what drew Hannah to The Wilds? “I love the mission and conservation efforts of The Wilds team and always wanted to be part of it. When I saw this role, I knew I had found the place for me! I’m excited to interact with guests, provide great customer service, and promote conservation while experiencing the great outdoors.” Hannah brings five years of experience with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Watercraft, where she worked at Malabar Farm and Mt. Gilead State Park in roles ranging from Volunteer Coordinator to Naturalist Aid. Her diverse experience in park operations and visitor engagement makes her a perfect fit for this role. And when it comes to favorite animals at The Wilds? No surprise—the Eastern hellbender! ?? “With my conservation background and the campground being named after the hellbender, there’s a whole lot to love about them!” Join us in giving Hannah a warm welcome as she settles in at Hellbender RV Campground. We’re excited for the impact she’ll make in connecting guests to nature and inspiring conservation action!

Have you been to a job fair at The Wilds? You can DRIVE to one tomorrow, and we guarantee a BUS-load of fun! If you can't make it to The Wilds tomorrow, consider joining us for another one this month: https://lnkd.in/gm-Aveir

"Imagine a place where your passion for wildlife, conservation, and community comes to life every single day. That’s what our incredible team creates at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club. Today, on Employee Appreciation Day, I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you—our year-round staff, our seasonal team members, and everyone who makes this place extraordinary. The care you put into every guest interaction, every habitat, every conservation effort, and every task that supports our team members and daily operations doesn’t go unnoticed. You are the heartbeat of this organization and bring smiles to families, inspire future conservationists, and provide world-class care to the animals who call this place home. Because of you, these are places where memories are made, curiosity is sparked, and real change for wildlife happens every day. If you’ve ever thought about joining a team where your work truly makes an impact, this is your sign. We’re always looking for passionate individuals to be part of something bigger. To our team—thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. We celebrate you today and every day!" ~ Tom Schmid, President and CEO

THE WAIT IS OVER: It's time to book your camping adventure at The Wilds! Reservations are now OPEN for the Hellbender RV Campground, so book your visit soon for this upcoming camping season. RVs: 45 foot long concrete pads, full hookups and 50amp electric. $70/night. Primitive Camping: No utilities besides water, and each site can accommodate up to three tents. $50/night. What else is included? ? A camp store ? Two shower houses ? Hiking and biking trails ? Pickleball and basketball courts ? A playground ? A dog park ? 20% off Open-Air Safaris at The Wilds! (and we’ll provide the transportation there) We’re expecting the campgrounds to book quickly…Get started at https://lnkd.in/gMC8zAMs

JOB FAIR at The Wilds coming up on March 8! Want to lead zipline tours? Horseback safaris? Drive a tour bus? Make yummy meals and snacks? We've got the seasonal job for you. Get more info on all upcoming Job Fairs in March at https://lnkd.in/gm-Aveir

Since 2015, our team at The Wilds has been dedicated to providing safe nesting habitats for barn owls, a magnificent bird native to Ohio. Through the Barn Owl Nest Box project run by volunteers, Jack and Thomas Henry, The Wilds has been able to provide housing for owls and their chicks in their native range. Learn from Jack and Thomas Henry, as they share about the Nest Box Project for barn owls and how it’s helped support this threatened species. ??

Some of the most powerful lessons in life don’t come from books or classrooms—they come from the women who show up every day. Women who lead with strength, even in uncertain times. Women who nurture, mentor, and inspire—not just with words, but with action. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the incredible women who have shaped the world through education, leadership, and compassion. From pioneering conservationists to the animal caregivers, scientists, veterinarians, and educators at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds today, their impact is immeasurable. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—but also trailblazers, researchers, and storytellers ensuring that knowledge and love for wildlife are passed forward. The theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” feels especially meaningful right now. In a world that sometimes feels overwhelming, we find hope in the women who keep pushing forward, lifting others as they go. They remind us that strength and compassion go hand in hand and that every lesson shared today shapes the future. To every woman making a difference—whether in your workplace, your family, or simply in the way you care for others—We are so grateful for everything you do.

T-Minus THREE DAYS until you can book your site at the Hellbender RV Campground at The Wilds! - Full hookup sites - Primitive camping sites - 20% discount on The Wilds’ popular Open-Air Safari tour for campground guests included on the reservation In the meantime, save the campground booking site on your device: https://lnkd.in/gMC8zAMs Not into camping? We have other overnight options at The Wilds, too! Check them out at https://lnkd.in/gRqtW6gA