Nestled into the countryside on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes along the Appalachian Byway, The Wilds is a conservation center making an incredible impact for wildlife in America's Heartland and across the globe.
The Wilds serves as a living laboratory in a unique setting that provides important information needed to help protect wildlife and wild places. From restoring healthy ecosystems from once barren strip-mined land to providing high-quality care to some of the world's rarest wildlife species, our teams are contributing to advancements in conservation and science, all while inspiring others to join us in efforts to make a difference.
Read the 2023 Impact Report 2023 Conservation and Science report
548
Federally-threatened American burying beetles released in 2023.
37
Acres of prairies that were (re)seeded.
70
Conservation projects and organizations that The Wilds and the Columbus Zoo supported in 2023 that focused on animal health, wellbeing, conservation, and habitat ecology.
featured work
Did you know? The Wilds has been involved in the reintroduction of a species once extinct in the wild and is creating prairie habitat for wildlife species that have disappeared from their former ranges. Learn more about these projects and others that are helping to protect the future of wildlife.
Stories
With more than 600 animals in our care representing over 25 species, we have many incredible stories to share that will touch your heart and inspire you to learn more about how we can all help protect our planet.
Take Action
There are many ways you can help us achieve our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. Learn more about how you can symbolically adopt an animal or make a donation to help provide food for the animals.
Science
The Wilds plays a direct role in understanding the needs of different species so we can help find conservation solutions.
