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The Wilds … Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. One of Ohio’s most unique destinations is right here in Muskingum County. A place where threatened and endangered animals from all over the world – rhinos, giraffes, antelope and now cheetahs – live in mixed-species groups, roaming expansive natural habitats. A place where scientists and educators are working to better understand and conserve the world’s animals and natural resources. A place where visitors can encounter and learn about nature and wildlife. A place called The Wilds. Located just miles from downtown Zanesville and two hours from Columbus, The Wilds offers various tours and lodging accommodations. Tour our pasture via an Open Air Safari or those wanting to get a bit closer and personal with our animals can upgrade to a Wildside Tour. For guests looking to get an aerial perspective of pasture and our animals check out the Zipline Safari Tour. Horseback Riding is another great way to see the prairie and native wildlife species. A stop along the Open Air Safari and Wildside Tour is the Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center is 60-acre site designed to meet the needs of animals such as cheetahs, African wild dogs and dholes, a wild canine from Asia. This complex features walking trails, elevated boardwalks and observation decks offering stunning views of a series of enclosures housing these highly-social animals. The Outpost is situated in the midst of the largest section of the animal area, with sweeping views of rolling grasslands. Visitors can camp overnight at The Outpost. Relax and unwind while observing herds of rhinos, giraffe and other wildlife behaving much as they would in the wild. The Outpost offers great opportunities for photography, and another chance to interact with and learn from The Wilds’ staff. Nomad Ridge at The Wilds offers a luxury tented-camp experience package for adults (21+) interested in a special getaway. The overnight package includes meals, tours and more. Book a stay at the Lodge at The Wilds, a private retreat secluded along one of the most scenic lakes on the property. This luxury cabin sleeps 12 and offers a quiet spot for meetings, specials events and family getaways. Nestled along Straker Lake, the Cabins each offer accommodations for up to six guests with comfortable living areas and kitchens. The Wilds' Cabins at Straker Lake also include a communal dining hall where guests can gather and enjoy each other's company. Cabins are the perfect destination for a family vacation or corporate retreat. Rounding out your experience at The Wilds is the Overlook Café, offering a variety of dining options, and the Gift Market, with a wide selection of nature-themed clothing, books, toys and artwork. Scenic picnic areas are also available. Select Friday and Saturday evenings from June through August The Wilds offers Sunset Safaris, a special experience featuring a buffet dinner and twilight tour. Many of the animals become more active as the sun goes down, and The Wilds offers many great vistas for enjoying the summer sunset. There is much more to see at The Wilds than rhinos and cheetahs, though. The Birding Station at Jeffrey Point on State Route 284 is open to the public, offering a sweeping vista rich with grasslands that harbor an abundance of ground-nesting songbirds and raptors, as well as lakes often teeming with waterfowl. Just across from the main parking lot is the Butterfly Habitat, an important Restoration Ecology project. Over 12 acres of grassland are being enriched with native flowering plants to attract and provide habitat for many species of butterfly. A walking trail leads through the area, with interpretive signs offering information about the plants and insects found there. Pre-scheduled groups of 20 or more qualify for discounts, and can call ahead to arrange for private tours and catered buffet or deli lunches. The Wilds is open to the public 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily May through October. Open Memorial Day and Labor Day.