Professional Partnerships

The Wilds has a unique set of qualities including land, staff, location and connections. As with most institutions, resources are limited. It is thus critically important to partner with others with whom sharing resources will benefit all concerned.

In addition to our international conservation and university partners, the Wilds has developed relationships with a wide range of institutions and organization, including:

Conservation Centers for Species Survival (C2S2)

The Wilds is a founding member of Conservation Centers for Species Survival, a group of large conservation facilities in North America dedicated to cooperative conservation and research for the advancement of species conservation. Other C2S2 founding partners are:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Since 2002, the Wilds and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have worked together very closely. In addition to collaborating on specific conservation projects, the two organizations have developed a formal relationship that allows for sharing of resources to strengthen both institutions.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)

Over the years, the Wilds has worked with the ODNR on a number of projects, including:

  • Trumpeter swan reintroduction
  • Osprey reintroduction
  • American burying beetle reintroduction
  • Eastern hellbender conservation, propogation and health & habitat surveys
  • White-tailed deer population monitoring

International Rhino Foundation (IRF)

The Wilds is a founding member and maintains representation on the board of directors of the IRF, a non profit organization dedicated to supporting rhino conservation initiatives in Africa and Asia.

Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

CREW is a key partner in many of the Wilds’ rhinoceros reproductive physiology studies, including the development of semen collection in Indian (greater one-horned) rhinos and evaluations of reproductive cyclicity in group-house, semi-free ranging female white rhinos.

USDA Forest Service

In partnership with the US Forest Service, American elm trees have been planted at the Wilds and in other parts of Ohio to evaluate their tolerance to Dutch Elm Disease. The results will help us be able to reintroduce the American Elm back into the forest and common landscape.

The Wilds has worked with the following partners to develop teacher training programs and courses focused on Wilds-related disciplines:

 

Environmental Education Council of Ohio (EECO)

Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Education/Ohio Environmental Education Fund


Muskingum Valley Park District


Muskingum Soil & Water Conservation District

American Electric Power

Gahanna School District