What Does The Wilds Do?

Total employees200
HeadquartersCumberland
Founded1994

The Wilds is one of the largest and most innovative wildlife conservation centers in North America. Located on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed coal-mined land in rural southeastern Ohio, it is a private, non-profit safari park and conservation center. The Wilds is dedicated to advancing conservation through science, education, and personal experience. It provides a natural, open-range environment for rare and endangered species from around the globe, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species. Visitors can experience The Wilds through various tours, including open-air safari, horseback riding, and ziplining, as well as stay overnight in yurts or cabins. It is an AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accredited institution and part of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium family of parks.

Where Is The Wilds's Headquarters?

The Wilds officeThe Wilds officeThe Wilds officeThe Wilds office
*Images sourced via web search. Rights belong to original owners

HQ Function

Serves as the primary operational base, encompassing animal management, conservation research, educational programs, veterinary services, and visitor engagement for the entire 10,000-acre facility.

Notable Features:

Expansive open-range habitats for animals, specialized animal care facilities, research laboratories, a veterinary hospital, educational centers, various safari tour infrastructures, and unique overnight lodging options like yurts and cabins.

Work Culture:

A mission-driven and collaborative environment focused on wildlife conservation, animal welfare, scientific research, and providing unique educational and recreational experiences to visitors. Staff likely includes zoologists, veterinarians, conservation scientists, educators, and hospitality professionals.

HQ Significance:

The site is a globally recognized center for endangered species breeding, conservation research, and habitat restoration. Its sheer size allows for management of large herds in naturalistic settings, crucial for species survival programs.

Values Reflected in HQ: Conservation, sustainability, education, research, animal welfare, and community partnership (especially with AEP and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).

Location:

While The Wilds' physical operations are based in Ohio, its impact is global. It actively participates in international Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for endangered animals, collaborates with conservation organizations worldwide, contributes to global wildlife research, and supports field conservation projects in various countries. Staff often engage in international conferences and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Street Address:

14000 International Road

City:

Cumberland

State/Province:

Ohio

Country:

USA

Where Else Does The Wilds Operate Around the World?

Powell, Ohio, USA

Address: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065

Serves as the central administrative hub for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium family, facilitating overarching conservation strategies, educational outreach, and operational excellence across all its entities, including The Wilds.

Buying Intent Signals for The Wilds

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading The Wilds? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, The Wilds' leadership includes:

Tom Schmid - President & CEO, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Dr. Joe Smith - Vice President, The Wilds
Dr. Jan Ramer - Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Suzi Rapp - Vice President of Animal Programs, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Jenna Riffe - Chief Financial Officer, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Who's Investing in The Wilds?

The Wilds has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Parent Organization)
American Electric Power (AEP - Founding Partner)
State of Ohio
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
Private Donors and Foundations
Corporate Sponsors
Members and Visitors

What Leadership Changes Has The Wilds Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Specific executive movements directly within The Wilds or its parent, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, for the past 12 months are not prominently featured in readily available public news. Major leadership changes are typically announced on their official websites or through press releases. As of mid-2024, the core leadership team appears stable.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byThe Wilds?

Discover the tools The Wilds uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

The Wilds Email Formats and Examples

The Wilds is part of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Emails for staff typically follow the Columbus Zoo's domain. Common formats include first name initial followed by last name, or first name separated by a dot from the last name.

[first_initial][last]@columbuszoo.org or [first].[last]@columbuszoo.org

Format

j.doe@columbuszoo.org

Example

80%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About The Wilds?

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News • April 18, 2024

The Wilds Reopens For Its 30th Anniversary Season May 1

The Wilds announced its reopening for its 30th anniversary season on May 1, 2024. The season will feature new experiences and celebrate three decades of conservation work, offering various tours and overnight stays....more

The Daily Jeffersonian • May 22, 2024

The Wilds kicks off 30th anniversary season

The Wilds is celebrating its 30th anniversary with the start of its summer season, highlighting its growth from reclaimed land to a major conservation center. Visitors can enjoy various tours and educational programs....more

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News • October 26, 2023

White Rhino Calf Born at The Wilds!

The Wilds announced the birth of a male southern white rhino calf on October 4, 2023. This is the 27th white rhino born at The Wilds, marking a significant success for its breeding program for this near-threatened species....more

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