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Summer animal adventures just a short drive away

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By Debbie Juniewicz, Contributing Writer 5:29 PM Friday, June 19, 2009

CUMBERLAND, Ohio — Squeals of delight ripple through the packed open-air bus as the Asian rhino lumbers closer to the safari vehicle. A second, smaller rhino peeks out of the bushes to the delight of the excited onlookers.

A few feet down the road, the bus lurches to a stop as a Persian onager stubbornly plants herself in the vehicle’s pathway. Neither the beeping horn nor the coaxing of the driver motivates her to move on. The delay isn’t bothersome, rather another photo opportunity for the excited animal lovers on board.

As you take in the picturesque hillsides and lakes and observe the herds of endangered animals roaming through the center’s 9,000-plus acres, it’s easy to forget you are in Ohio. But that’s what visitors to the Wilds experience every day.

The Wilds, located in Cumberland, near Zanesville, is the largest wildlife conservation center in North America. Familiar rhinos, giraffes and zebras as well as rarely seen bantengs, a wild cow species, and scimitar-horned oryx, which is considered endangered, are among the 25 managed species that call the Wilds home.

The conservation facility, which started as 14 square miles of reclaimed surface-mined land more than two decades ago, has stayed true to its mission statement: “To advance conservation through science, education and personal experience.”

A visit to the Wilds is both exciting and educational. Visitors can board either a comfortable air-conditioned safari transport or a more rugged open-air safari vehicle to embark on their journey. The vehicles make frequent stops along the way as they encounter various animals. Visitors also explore various destinations along the way such as the Carnivore Center or the Lake Trail before continuing on along the seven miles of safari tour roads.

Here’s a little of what to expect:

Wilds by the Numbers

7 – Miles of safari tour roads in the wildlife conservation center.

23 – Miles of fence are used throughout the facility.

150 – Lakes are on site, providing areas for research and recreation.

9,154 – Acres provide a home for 25 managed species.

But the Wilds isn’t the only place to spend a day within a reasonable drive from the Miami Valley.

What’s new?

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden — The zoo entrance has returned to its historic 1875 Vine Street location with the opening of the $19.6 million dollar Historic Vine Street Village. The Village was designed to be a comfortable place for visitors to relax, shop, eat and embark on their zoo adventure. Beyond the Village, the zoo is hosting Summer Adventure programs with new shows and animal encounters through Sept. 7, including the Wings of Wonder bird show, Meet-A-Zookeeper and Cheetah Encounter. All shows are free with zoo admission and schedules are available at www.cincinnatizoo.org.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — Baby Beco has taken center stage, as the zoo’s baby Asian elephant made his debut this spring and can be viewed, with his mom, Phoebe, daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Summer also means a full slate of special events at the zoo including a Father’s Day Celebration Sunday, June 21 with free admission for all dads with a paying child. ABC Family Nights kick off June 24 and will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 19 with special activities and family programs. Zoombezi Bay water park, with 15 water slides, a wave pool and lazy river, is also open for the season but requires a separate admission.

Indianapolis Zoo – Dragons rule this summer at the Indianapolis Zoo — Komodo Dragons that is. The largest lizards in the world will call the zoo home through Sept. 7. But the fierce predators will vie for guests’ attention with a more docile and graceful creature — the butterfly. Butterflies in Bloom will be on display in the Hilbert Conservatory at White River Gardens through Sept. 7. Summer visitors might get an extra treat as zookeepers and animals can be spotted wandering through the grounds from time to time.

Newport Aquarium – The jellyfish are back, and are more wiggly and jiggly than before. The recently renovated and reopened 2,000-square-foot jellyfish exhibit is the largest in the Midwest with colored jellies, spotted jellies, moon jellies and many more as well as the new Jelly Wall game. The Penguin Parade, 9:15 a.m. daily, has been upgraded, as has the Penguin Mobile, in honor of the aquarium’s 10th anniversary. Sunshine, the aquarium’s new baby shark ray, is also on exhibit. Summer Family Hours give families a price break with free admission for two kids, 12 and younger, with a paid adult Sunday through Friday from 4:40 to 7 p.m.

Money-saving tips

• Memberships: If you are a member of a zoo, consult your membership information of the AZA Web site, www.aza.org for reciprocal information. Many zoos offer free or reduced admission for members of other zoos.

• Snacks and supplies: A single soft drink may run you $4 or more, so plan ahead and pack juice boxes or refillable water bottles. Packing snacks and sunscreen will also reduce trip costs and prevent frequent visits to the Sno-cone stand or gift shop.

• Special deals and days: Tuesday is Senior Day at the Columbus Zoo with half-price admission for those 60 years and older. Newport Aquarium’s Summer Family Hours enable two kids, 12 and younger, to get in free with a paying adult from Sunday through Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Check park Web sites for deals.

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By Debbie Juniewicz

Contributing Writer

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