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CUMBERLAND, OH – The Wilds is officially open for the 2026 summer season, welcoming guests to explore nearly 10,000 acres of rolling pastures, connect with rare and endangered species, and experience one of North America’s most unique conservation destinations.
This season brings even more to discover, including unforgettable safari experiences, overnight stays, and the recent birth of two southern white rhino calves, along with new additions across several herds.
Located on reclaimed surface mining land, The Wilds is a conservation center dedicated to protecting wildlife and inspiring people through immersive experiences. Its expansive pastures are home to more than 30 rare and endangered species from around the world, including greater one-horned rhinos, southern white rhinos, Masai giraffes, takin, and Père David’s deer.
Guests can explore The Wilds through a variety of daily tours. The Open-Air Safari Tour, presented by G&J Pepsi, offers an up-close journey through the pastures aboard an open-air vehicle, while the Wildside Tour, led by an Animal Management team member, travels off-road in a specialized vehicle, providing an up-close look at the herds.
Featured Experiences at The Wilds
Beyond its signature safaris, The Wilds offers a range of unique ways to explore its stunning landscapes. Guests can take in sweeping views during a Sunset Safari, soar above the pastures on a Zipline Safari, or explore at a different pace through experiences like Fishing Safaris, Horseback Safaris, and Birding tours, offering additional ways for guests of all ages to connect with nature.
For those looking to dive deeper, the new Restoring Nature at The Wilds Ecology Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how reclaimed land has been transformed into thriving habitat, highlighting native prairie restoration, eastern hellbenders, and American burying beetles. Guests can also experience The Wilds after dark through an adults-only overnight at WildeCamp, featuring a fun-filled evening of activities, social experiences, and opportunities to observe nocturnal wildlife across the surrounding woods, lakes, and grasslands. Group tours also provide additional opportunities for shared experiences, including private safaris, sunset tours, and customized educational programs.
For those looking to extend their stay, The Wilds offers a variety of overnight accommodations, including the adults-only yurts at Nomad Ridge, family-friendly Cabins at Straker Lake, the Lodge, WildNights at the Outpost ultimate camping experiences, and the Hellbender RV Campground. Now entering its second full season, the Hellbender RV Campground continues to expand opportunities for guests to stay immersed in nature. The 75-acre campground features full-service RV sites, primitive camping options, trails, and family-friendly amenities, all designed to deepen connections with the natural world. Named after the eastern hellbender—North America’s largest amphibian and a species native to Ohio—the campground highlights the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems and local wildlife.
“Each season at The Wilds brings something new,” said Dr. Joe Greathouse, vice president of The Wilds. “From welcoming new calves to expanding experiences like the Hellbender RV Campground, we’re continuing to create more ways for guests to connect with wildlife and experience conservation in action.”
Among this season’s highlights are the recent births of two southern white rhino calves, further strengthening The Wilds’ role as a leader in global rhino conservation. Born on March 5 and March 28, 2026, the calves are thriving alongside their mothers and represent the continued success of long-term breeding efforts through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan® (SSP).
The Wilds is home to one of the largest southern white rhino herds in North America and has welcomed multiple generations of calves over the years, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the species. Additional herd births this season, including Sichuan takin kids, further reflect the strength of The Wilds’ conservation and animal care programs.
Seasonal Events and Programs
The Wilds’ 2026 season includes a variety of special activities and events that connect guests to conservation efforts locally and around the world.
The fun kicks off on May 2, 2026 with Salamander Saturday, featuring hands-on activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and guided hikes focused on native salamanders.
On August 10, 2026, Action Indonesia Day highlights banteng and global conservation partnerships through interactive guest experiences and educational programming.
Looking ahead, guests can also save the date for Fall Safari on October 9, 2026, The Wilds’ signature fundraising event supporting ongoing conservation initiatives.
The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information about tours, conservation initiatives, events, and educational opportunities, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and TikTok.
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About The Wilds
The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.
