As the season of giving begins, we are reminded of just how powerful your generosity is at The Wilds.
Here across nearly 10,000-acres dedicated to wildlife preservation and education; your support makes it all possible. From open-pasture tours where guests connect with rare and endangered species, to vital breeding programs, research, and habitat restoration, The Wilds is at the forefront of global conservation.
Achieving our Wild Wishes—leading in conservation, caring for animals, and inspiring future conservationists—only happens because of dedicated donors like you.
Meet Curt.
Generosity fuels our conservation efforts and supports the dedicated individuals who bring our mission to life, like Curt Coleman, an animal management and pasture specialist whose ties to this land span generations. He may have been destined to work at The Wilds.
Before this land was transformed into lush pastures, forests, and 150 lakes, both of Curt’s grandfathers worked here as iron welders and surface miners. They even had a hand in building Big Muskie, a dragline excavator, in the 1980s. Curt’s father spent part of his career here, too, as an electrician inside that massive machine.
Since joining The Wilds in 1996, Curt carries forward that family legacy in his own remarkable way.
He vividly remembers feeding Southern white rhinos with the towering silhouette of Big Muskie—a symbol of his family history—standing proudly in the background. Curt now spends his days caring for over 200 animals, including one of the world’s rarest species of wild cattle, the banteng. The Wilds is one of four Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facilities in North America housing bantengs, and Curt plays a vital role in their survival. Since 2017, he serves as the North American Regional Studbook Keeper for bantengs, overseeing breeding programs to maintain healthy, diverse genetics. His work extends globally – partnering with conservationists in Indonesia and Europe to safeguard bantengs’ future.
Your support this year can empower Curt and the team to keep making an impact – protecting species, building international partnerships, and supporting critical research. You make it possible for us to fulfill our Wild Wishes: to protect species, preserve habitats, and fight climate change.
Your Gift Will Be Matched.
The Wilds Fund directly supports these life-saving conservation efforts every day- and right now, your gift goes twice as far! Thanks to a generous matching gift opportunity, every dollar you give will be doubled.
Together, we can protect species like the banteng—both at The Wilds and in their native habitats. Give today and make twice the difference for wildlife!
When people think of The Wilds, they often think of towering giraffes or mighty rhinos. Yet some of our most extraordinary residents are lesser known but equally important animals, such as the banteng. And for Curt, bantengs are far more than just animals to feed. Each day, Curt roams the open pastures, learning each animal’s unique markings, mannerisms, and social roles within the herd. His focus, attention, and time spent with the banteng fosters trust and allows Curt to monitor their health closely.
Caring for animals in naturalistic settings is no simple task. There’s no “one-click solution” to enhancing species’ lives. Every adjustment he and the rest of the staff make is crafted carefully and creatively to benefit the animals, ensuring the pastures remain optimal for wildlife to thrive. Whether it’s brainstorming enrichment activities or staying late to close pastures safely, Curt and his team make The Wilds a home where animals can thrive.
This work is only possible with your support.
The Wilds Fund fuels the programs, resources, and expertise that allow Curt and the animal management team to go above and beyond for every animal – from bantengs to cheetahs and eastern hellbenders. Your gift empowers us to offer each species the specialized care they need.
Our Wild Wish is that you’ll join us in remaining a force for good. Your gift, no matter the size, helps us continue empowering those who lead conservation efforts, care for animals, and inspire future generations to protect wildlife. Your gift will be doubled thanks to a generous match if you give before December 30th! Together, we can continue to make a difference!
