Learn about Herd Care on a Grand Scale at The Wilds!
April 23 and 24, 2025
The Wilds, 14000 Cumberland Road, Cumberland, OH 43732
Prepare for a groundbreaking two-day course at The Wilds, combining engaging lectures with hands-on training in managing large multispecies herds on expansive pastures. With a focus on hoof stock, this course offers participants the chance to actively participate in animal procedures, gaining practical experience in animal capture, handling, and managing animals within multispecies groups.
TO REGISTER: Email vetED@thewilds.org
What's Included
- Lectures and discussion focusing on best practices in ungulate management with a focus on how to manage multiple species in a semi free ranging setting through understanding animal behavior and natural history.
- Hands-on training with animal handling including physical and chemical restraint in barn and field setting.
- Learn basic hydraulic tamer operation concept.
- Hands-on experience with basic hoof trimming of non domestic equids and bovids.
- Accommodation will be provided at The Wilds' Straker Lake Cabins. Participants will share a room and cabin with other participants. Straker Cabins can sleep up to six people. Each cabin is fully equipped with three bedrooms (each with twin beds), two bathrooms, and a full kitchen with coffee maker, toaster, oven and cutlery. (Don't forget the unbelievable views and private hiking trail)
- Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
- Transport between The Wilds and Straker Lake Cabins on scheduled course dates.
Participant Requirements
- This course is open to animal care staff employed full-time by a zoological institution for a minimum of one year.
- There is a maximum of 6 participants to allow individual discussion and firsthand experience. Rooms and cabins will be shared with other participants.
- A letter from participants HR department will be required to confirm eligibility for workmans compensation. Alternatively, if participant is registering on own time, proof of insurance will be required for registration.
Registration Details
Cost: $800 per person
Registration Deadline: April 6, 2025
QUESTIONS: Email vetED@thewilds.org
Know Before You Go
The Wilds is situated on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface-mined land in rural southeastern Ohio. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support conservation through innovative education, breeding and research programs that emphasize the protection and intensive management of our wildlife resources.
- The Wilds is located 75 miles east of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, OH. Each participant is responsible for their own transportation to and from The Wilds.
- The Wilds is a 25-30 minute drive from the nearest grocery store and gas station. No on-site concessions will be available during this course.
- Please be prepared to work inside or outside in all types of weather. Close-toed shoes are required. A presentable shirt and shorts or pants or scrubs are fine (i.e. no holes), but please keep in mind that clothes may get dirty, so casual wear works great. Please be prepared for the season and all-weather types.