The biggest zoo in the world” is a worthy title for the Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. The wilds reservations occupy about nine thousand, one hundred and fifty-four acres of land. For comparison, that’s the size of over forty ranches put together.
In this article, we will learn why it is considered not only the world’s biggest zoo but also why it is the best zoo in America. Therefore, stick around to learn about that and why it is worth the visit.
As one of the largest zoos in the world, the Wilds pays attention to the comfort of the animals. That is why the Wilds reservations set aside two thousand acres of the property for pasture while twenty-seven acres are for the conservation of carnivores.
Why It Is Considered As The Best Zoo In America?
On visiting the wilds, you will find that the animal conservation methods used are effective and healthy as the animals receive full attention. Another reason why it is the best zoo in America is that it gives a space to protect endangered animals to thrive in and reproduce.
Other things that give this animal sanctuary meaning include the fact that it is one of the most important bird areas in the world. It is the kind of place where you can practice animal photography connect with the animals and build empathy toward them.
The Cumberland, Ohio conservation park is a home for birds, and the park owners left a working park station just in case you are an ornithophile. You will never run out of things to do or see on this nearly ten thousand acres of fertile land, which contains about one hundred and sixty lakes and is a home to exotic butterfly species.
If you would like to visit The wilds of Cumberland, Ohio – which I advise you to do – keep in mind that nothing can prepare you for the experience that will blow you away. Still, I would gladly tell you what to expect from one of the biggest zoos in the world and the best zoo in America.
Road To The Wilds:
Do you remember that The Wilds is in Cumberland, Ohio? Well, it is one hundred and forty miles from Cleveland and about ninety-four miles from the Columbus Zoo. However, irrespective of your location, you can find directions on The Wild’s official website.
Different Animal Types:
The Cumberland, Ohio zoo; is home to a staggering three hundred animals from nearly twenty-five different species. This animal home has been under the management of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for a while, and it has had a pleasant impact on the beautiful zoo animals.
While I would love to give you the names of all the wild animals, it would take a while to list them all, and I am sure you do not have all day, so I will tell you about a handful that should interest you.
The Wilds Carnivore Centre:
You remember that the Wilds’ reservation set aside twenty-seven acres for beautiful endangered carnivorous animals. This land is in the wild’ carnivore center, where all carnivorous animals are taken care of.
The best zoo in America contains any type of animal you can think of, but we will only mention a few for time’s sake and not to bore you. Here are some animals you will meet at the carnivore center
1. African Painted Dogs:
This beauty once roamed the expanse of the African continent, but it is now one of the most beautiful endangered species in the world, with only about seven thousand in existence. The African wild dog is a pack animal, and females usually birth to between two to twenty puppies that the whole pack protects.
These exotic species are social; they share food and assist their ill or old member, while communication takes place through touch actions and vocalizations. The endangered state of the wild dog is due to human activities and infectious diseases, but the Wilds reservations are doing a great job of bringing them back to full bloom.
However, while they may look cute and playful, these animals can be quite unfriendly, so you may want to stand a few inches from their cages.
2. Cheetahs:
With black tear lines to protect their eyes from the sun, these beautiful endangered animals are the Usain Bolt of the animal world – to be fair, Bolt has nothing on them – with speeds of zero to sixty miles per hour in just three seconds.
Not only are they fast, but they are also resilient as they can stay four days without water. That may sound like an easy feat, but if you are not a prestigious monk or elegant camel, I advise you to stay hydrated.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists cheetahs as a vulnerable species that must be protected from extinction. Thankfully, the conservation park is ensuring that they stay safe.
3. Eastern Hellbender Salamander:
The Eastern Hellbender size ranges from twelve to fifteen inches, but some have reached a staggering twenty-nine inches. This amphibian’s characteristics include wet skin and an absurd appearance that earned the salamander the title of Hellbender.
Apart from being one of the largest Salamander species, this amphibian is also one of the two Hellbender subspecies, with the other being the Ozark Hellbender.
The Eastern Hellbender Salamander also has cool abilities like underwater breathing and the ability to see with its entire body. It is also part of a beautiful endangered species, but the Wildlife reservation is protecting it.
5. Dholes:
These cute and wild canids pose no threat to humans, but they are still near extinction with a little over two thousand left. Dhole puppies are the name given to dholes’ babies.
They are usually born in litters of five to ten or twelve to sixteen. Unlike the African wild dog, the dholes are much friendlier and tame, but this does not mean they are less wild than their African cousins.
The Wilds Open Range Animal Pasture:
The Wilds’ open-range animal pasture is on a massive two thousand acres of land. The huge pastureland is to ensure ample food and play areas for herbivores of the sanctuary. Now let us move on to the herbivores in the pasture.
A. The Southern White Rhino:
How many white rhinos are left? There are around 18,000 white rhinos left in the world. Many thought that this animal was extinct in the nineteenth century. However, animal enthusiasts later discovered the rhinos in South Africa, and now they are thriving.
Years of efforts in the conservation park have brought these exotic species from the brink of extinction. Right now, there are about twenty-one thousand living their best lives away from the threat of poachers.
These animals are partly social and territorial, they mark their territories with dung, and while the males can be solitary, the females usually spend more time moving.
B. Scimitar-Horned Oryx:
With a name that is perfect for a dragon and horns that are equally terrifying, these exotic species are some of the most elegant wild animals.
The Scimitar-Horned Oryx is a fascinating animal with a body that can withstand scorching temperatures.
The white of the animal deflects the sunlight while their black skin protects against sunburn, and they sweat very little to conserve water.
The Scimitar-Horned Onyx is a social animal with herds of up to forty led by one male. This graceful animal is currently extinct in the wild, but the beautiful zoo is making progress in bringing it back.
C. Persian Onager:
Have you ever seen any animal with a name so fantastic and catchy? Known by many as the Persian wild ass or the Persian Zebra, this mammal is a native of Mongolia, southern Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
The Persian wild Onager is a social animal with males owning territories. The females can choose to stay with the males or relocate to another place. These animals communicate with pheromones, vocals, and body language.
Sadly, the animal is nearing extinction with just six hundred left in the wild, but the Wilds Animal Sanctuary means hope for these beautiful mammals.
D. Giraffe:
We all know these guys. They are one of the most famous animal species. Their long necks have been subjects of many riddles and toys are modeled after them. The Wilds is one of the biggest zoos in the world for so many reasons. One of them is the fact that it caters to three subspecies of giraffes the Masai, Reticulated, and Rothschild giraffes.
In terms of speed, the giraffe dashes across short distances at thirty-five miles per hour and can move at ten miles per hour across long distances. Another fun fact to note is that, though they have long necks, the necks are not long enough to reach the ground, so they usually feed off trees or tall plants.
These animals are not territorial, and while they can be social, the adult males are usually solitary. Giraffes are now vulnerable because their numbers are reducing. However, the Wilds reservations have made provisions for their protection.
Other animals you will encounter at the park include Grey’s zebras, Indochina sika deer, Pere David’s deer, Ostriches, Sichuan Takin, Greater one-horned Asian rhino, and many others.
The animals in the wildlife reservation are not limited to those specifically available for the viewing pleasure of visitors. As you tour the pastureland, you may catch a glimpse of native species like the Coyote or local deer. These beautiful zoo animals have been in these lands before the park became what it is today.
The Wilds Tours:
The Wilds of Cumberland, Ohio is a large place and as one of the biggest zoos in the world, a tour is necessary to ensure that you do not wind up in the wrong part of the private park. However, fear not because of the excellent service at the wild animal park, it becomes the best zoo in America.
Daily Tours:
This animal sanctuary names two of its tours after the different seasons. The Summer Tours and the Winter Tours
1 – Summer Tours:
The summer tours and experiences have two subdivisions.
1. Open-Air Safari:
The open-air safari park tour takes place from an open-air vehicle that tours the wild reservations.
Experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you around the animal areas and answer every question concerning the beautiful animals.
Open-Air Safari tours are a little over two hours long, but it’s better to allot at least four hours so you can take a stroll through the Wilds Butterfly Habitat, enjoy a visit to the Wilds’ Gift Market, or chill around and get something interesting to snack on.
The tour bus makes stops at the lake trail and the carnivore center. The price for this tour is thirty dollars, but for the members of the wilds and military, it is free. To enjoy the benefits, military personnel must provide an identification card.
Here is a timetable to help you plan for the open-air Safari tour:
May: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
June – August: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
September: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
October: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily
November: In November, the time is the same, but the tours take place during weekends alone.
2. The Wild side Tours:
The Wildside tour is an upgrade from the Open-air Safari park tour, and the experience depends on what happens during the tour. In other words, it can feel spontaneous since you may see something different from what the last set of tourists saw.
This tour allows you to interact with some animals but with close supervision and guidance. It also gives you the exclusive right to witness animal specialists at work, and you will get access to learning about the programs at the zoo.
Just like the safari tour, the Wildside tour lasts a little over two hours as the visitation of rare and beautiful endangered animals takes up considerable time. But of course, to get the most out of your visit to the park, you should allocate twice that amount of time so you can indulge in other breathtaking activities.
The Wildside tour of the beautiful zoo offers a better experience compared to the safari, so it is a little pricier with one hundred and twenty-five dollars per person and one hundred dollars for each member of the Wilds. You have to remember that this tour goes on irrespective of the weather state, so you should dress prepared for any unpredictable situation.
Unlike the safari that uses an open-air bus, this tour uses a specially designed animal management pickup truck so you can have a closer experience with nature and the animals
Here is a timetable to help you meet up with each tour for the day:
May – October: 9:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily.
November – April: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily.
2- Winter Tour:
You can pick this tour for an experience that is more up close and personal with the animals. It is also a great opportunity to take pictures, as you can have memories of all the close interactions you will have. The winter tour takes you through the pastures first, then behind the scenes into the private quarters of the animals, where you can see how they spend their winters.
You will also get to learn about the winter activities that keep the animals entertained all through the winter. The general admission fee for everyone four years and older is one hundred and twenty-five dollars.
For members of the wilds, it is one hundred dollars while lodged guests pay sixty dollars.
The winter tour takes place from November until April. It starts at eleven o’clock in the morning or two o’clock in the afternoon, so be sure to come ready.
Specialty Tours:
Specialty Tours are for those who would love to have an immersive experience in the park or interact with the large zoo animals. To help you understand it, here are specialty tours to consider.
1. Secret Of The Zoo Wildlife Tour:
As one of the largest zoos in the world, it should come as no surprise that the wildlife reservation is a regular feature on Nat Geo Wild. This tour gives you the chance to appear on Nat Geo Wild with the animal management team of this private park.
You will get much closer to the animals and see the inner workings of this Cumberland zoo while you become the star of an animal television show. The price for this tour is two hundred dollars for members of the wilds and two hundred and fifty dollars for none members.
This tour is available from July to September, and the time to be there is one o’clock in the afternoon.
2. Sunset Safari Tour:
This tour puts you in the perfect moment by letting you bask in the setting sun at the wildlife reservation while you enjoy a buffet dinner prepared to thrill your taste buds. After one hour of dinner and resting, your tour will begin in earnest.
This tour is available every Saturday in June and September or every Friday and Saturday in July and August. To experience this tour, you will have to pay seventy dollars as a member of the Wilds or seventy-five dollars if you are not a member.
Wearing comfortable footwear and clothing will be a great idea because a considerable amount of walking is involved.
3. Sunset Horseback Safari:
If you are dreaming of knowing what it feels like to be a cowboy, this tour is definitely for you. The sunset horseback safari allows you to experience the park in cowboy style. You will ride through a wildlife reservation, enjoying the presence of beautiful endangered animals while the poetic setting sun colors the sky just like in the movies.
This grand experience costs seventy dollars for every Wilds member and seventy-five dollars for non-members. It is available from June to September on Fridays and Saturdays only.
4. Wilds Adventure:
This tour is especially for families or groups of people who would love to bond over their love for animals and all things nature. This tour allows you to explore this beautiful zoo while you meet small and large zoo animals.
You will explore streams, wetlands, forests, and lakes that most visitors do not get to see, and the beautiful part of it all is that you get to experience this with friends or close family members. Other activities under this tour are lake canoeing and hiking.
The price for this adventure is between twelve dollars to eighteen dollars per person, and while it runs through October, it only takes place on specific dates, so you will have to make inquiries.
5. Fishing Safari:
The lesson in patience and the calming presence of the unruffled water can relax almost anyone. If you are to make of list of lakes in the park, it will exceed a hundred, and several of these water bodies are teaming with various exotic fish species.
Some of the fish you will find include Redear sunfish, pumpkinseed, bluegill, brown bullhead, channel catfish, green sunfish, Longear sunfish, and many others.
You can use a boat supplied by the wildlife reservation, or you can fish from the bank of the lake. Each boat can contain two people, and there is equipment available to make your experience stress-free.
If you choose to fish from the bank, you will pay seventy-five dollars, and fishing from the boat costs one hundred dollars, but the members of the wild get a twenty-five dollar discount.
It is important to remember that the beautiful zoo is a wildlife reservation full of beautiful endangered animals that are under protection, so all fishing is catch and release.
6. Zipline Tour:
The Zipline tour of this beautiful zoo is for lovers of breathtaking views and intense fun, and it runs from May to October. If you are scared of heights, you may want to pick another fun activity, but a little rush of adrenaline is never a bad idea, so you should probably try it.
7. Howl At The Moon Zipline Tour:
To be one of the biggest zoos in the world is not a small feat because it demands a consistent level of improvement and creativity that this conservation park achieves perfectly.
The Howl at the Moon tour is a recent addition to the Zipline tour of this Cumberland zoo. It takes place at twilight – usually at full moon – when the enchanting sounds of nature come alive.
The tour takes place on selected dates, and the rate is sixty-four dollars per person. The arrival time is eight o’clock in the evening, and you can be sure that it is going to be a blast.
8. Zipline Safari Tour:
This tour takes place in the daytime, and it is a good opportunity to take beautiful park pictures before you Zipline.
This untamed experience will have you overlooking beautiful endangered animals while you enjoy getting a panoramic view of the wildlife reservation.
The tour involves ten zip lines and rappels constructed on a series of observation platforms in the wilds and the cost is eighty-five dollars per person though discounts are available.
Group Tours:
The Group tour of this wildlife reservation is for a large group of people like schools on excursions or travelers who want to experience the park together. A minimum requirement is a group of twenty people. Here are some options to consider for this tour.
1) Education Youth Safari:
The tour is a two-hour experience with the student rates available on weekdays from May to October. For order, the Cumberland Zoo insists that there must be a chaperone for every eight students in the group.
Prices for students in grade twelve are fifteen dollars per person. For adults, it is twenty-five dollars per person, and for children from age three and below, it is free.
2) Group Sunset Safari:
The most beautiful moments are those we share with friends and family members, so you will agree with me that hanging out with loved ones is always an unforgettable experience.
Now add a beautiful zoo, exotic species, and a sunset, and you will see that the moment becomes magical. That is what the sunset safari entails.
A minimum of thirty people is required to enjoy this tour. That is a lot of people and a lot of fun. This tour runs from June to September, and the price is seventy dollars per person. These may seem like many options, but there is more. So, regard these as a sneak peek of the beautiful zoo.
Activities at the Wilds Wildlife Reservation: Other Things To Do At The Largest Zoo Of The World.
Besides the various tours, there are also fun activities at the conservation park, and you should expect nothing less from one of the largest zoos in the world.
Here are some suggestions in case you are looking for something else to do on this wildlife reservation.
1. Mountain Biking:
All mountain bike pioneers agree on one common mountain biking fact that states that; the sport is intense, but it improves your mood and keeps your mind sharp. In other words, it is a healthy and enjoyable way to have fun.
If you love the thrill and adrenaline of this sport, you will have a great time at the beautiful zoo in Cumberland. The Wilds animal reservations have one of the most scenic mountain bike trails, with breathtaking views.
Of course, you may encounter some of the tiny exotic species. Just be sure to have a great time and take it easy with the speeding.
2. Birding:
Are birds mammals? No, they are Aves, and they are one of the most beautiful creatures. If you are an ornithophile, you will love the birding station at Jeffery Point.
Even if you are not an ornithophile, you can still enjoy a quiet time while exotic species dart about the park. The wild’s reservations’ generosity in allocating the pastureland encouraged a boom in exotic species. The Audubon also recognizes the park as an important bird area.
That is an impressive feat, and it gives this animal sanctuary meaning beyond the reputation of one the largest zoos in the world.
3. Butterflies:
Owning butterfly-watching binoculars will come in handy at the wild reservations. Even if you are not a butterfly enthusiast, there is always a first time for everything, and the pasture is teeming with exotic butterfly species in this beautiful zoo.
You will find many exotic species on a ten-acre trail that runs through wetlands, woodlands, and beautiful paths with flowers. Just be sure to bring your butterfly-watching binoculars when you come to this conservation park.
The pastureland of the wilds reservation is a beautiful zoo, and while these activities may seem simple, they are therapeutic and exhilarating.
4. Group Events:
The Group Events at the wilds reservations are a list of programs specially made for large groups that visit the beautiful zoo.
5. Class And Family Reunion:
This event is for family members or old classmates who would love to bond while they enjoy nature at one of the biggest zoos in the world.
If you are a lover of nature, this event is for you. The Wilds reservation will provide the food and a location with a great view of the pastureland. All you have to do is enjoy the moment with your loved ones or friends.
6. Corporate Outings:
If you are a boss who wants to reward employees for their performance, this event is for you. The pastureland of this beautiful zoo has more than enough space for a pavilion so you can organize company programs, games, and raffle draw.
You get to determine the meals that your employees will enjoy, but you can be sure that the wilds reservations will make it an unforgettable experience as there is a long list of palatable dishes.
7. Retreats Ans Conferences:
As one of the largest zoos in the world, the wilds reservations have its state of the art research center with classrooms, a hall, and large laboratories.
These will come in handy if you want to organize a conference at this conservation park. The beautiful zoo is available for a full day or half day’s use, and there are various catering options to suit your needs.
8. Weddings And Anniversaries:
At this point, you can agree that The Wilds Conservation Park in Cumberland, Ohio is a wildlife reservation that brings humans closer to nature. It does not matter if you are celebrating your anniversary, renewing your vows, or getting married. This wildlife reservation will provide you with the most scenic locations and a wide variety of dishes.
9. Food And Beverages At The Wilds Reservations:
The Cumberland, Ohio restaurants consist of three places that contain all the edibles you need, and they are
– Safari Snack Depot
As the name suggests, this shop at the wildlife reservation offers snacks, assorted ice creams, popcorns, bottled beverages, and countless other snacks that will thrill your taste buds.
– Terrace Grill
The Terrace Grill in this wildlife reservation offers excellent views of exotic species and beautiful zoo animals while you enjoy your meals. Options to choose from include grilled burgers, jumbo grilled hot dogs, Donato’s pizzas, and many others.
-The Overlook Café
The Overlook café of this conservation park thrills guests with daily specials that include tasty sandwiches and wraps. There is always something exciting to taste, and the regular menu at this Cumberland, Ohio restaurant includes chicken, bottled beer, wines, and other tasty experiences.
Places To Stay Near The Biggest Zoo In The World (In Ohio):
1- Nomad Ridge:
The Nomad Ridge of the Wilds reservations offers you cozy accommodation in the style of traditional yurts. Every take on the wilds yurt review has seen it to be favorable with different Yurt styles to choose from, so you have a great time even when you are resting.
2- Wilds Cabin At Starker Lake:
This accommodation sits before the lake with scenic views for your pleasure. The seven cabins at this conservation park contain three bedrooms and two bathrooms each. Every cabin can sleep six guests peacefully, and various amenities such as wireless internet are available.
3- Wilds Night At The Outpost:
I do not think you want to miss an opportunity to spend the night with nature and enjoy its many beauties. The Wilds Conservation Park allows you to spend the night in an outpost set in the middle of the pastureland, and there will be exciting activities.
You will need sleeping bags or air mattresses, depending on what you like, and you can sleep under the stars for a night of magic. It is an unforgettable experience with things put in place to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Take Away:
There is so much more about the Wilds that I cannot fit in here. I suggest you check out their website for more of The Wilds FAQ and information on other attractions at the park.
Hopefully, this article gives you an idea about why, the zoo in Ohio earns the name of the biggest zoo in the world and earned the name of the best zoo in America.
The Wilds of Cumberland, Ohio is the perfect place for family, friend, and solo travelers. Just make sure to enjoy the moment and keep some memories. So you can always return to them when you want to smile.
There are more to offer in the state than the Wilds Animal Park in Ohio, so you can check out our blog on the best romantic getaway in Ohio. If you have kids, you and your kids would love to visit the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky Ohio. It has some fun activities that suit the whole family
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