The Wilds
Went on a little
road trip with my friend and headed out
to the Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio . http://www.thewilds.org/- this is the link
to where all the information is about the wild animal park is, and I would
suggest you visit the site and learn more about before going to visit. Just trying
to give you a review and share some pics I took as well relate my experiences I
saw while visiting this unique place so close to home.
They have no lions,
tigers and bears but do offer a variety of animals more commonly associates
with vast dry grasslands of Africa, where the majority of their diet could
easily be the grasses similar to what is common on the reclaimed strip mine
lands in Guernsey county, and associated with the reclamation efforts of the American
Electric Power company’s effort to rehabilitate strip mine land.
The wilds is
situated in reclaimed strip mine lands that were once treed and where I am sure
much perkier hilltops existed that would block ones view as it is compared to
today, where wide vistas of bald hilltops green with grass and Russian olive
are grabbing a foot hold and trying its best to sustain and hold water in its
now sterile environment. It’s working on a limited scale and it will be years
till the organic content is back where it should be. A few more of rhinoceros
as seen at the wilds will no doubt help return the much needed organic material
to the soils. But in reality it works for the Wilds as it mimics the native
animal’s lands and allows for enough room to let the wild animals run free in
the summer time.
I was at the Wilds
in maybe 2009 and saw a vast difference in the experience they offer and the
time they take with each tour bus. They seem to allow you the best viewing of
the wild animals there. It is more expensive but the open air bus tour seems to
be the preferred choice of most visitors to the park. Although lacking the air –conditioned
comfort and security of a regular city bus, it does offer up front viewing and
picture taking. It was a beautiful day and the open air bus ride was blessed
with gentle cross winds and one could not ask for a better day to get out and
view something different with such good company. We thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves trying to catch glimpses of these exotic animals as we buzzed around
on dusty roads bouncing in the back of an old school bus reminiscing about how
this ride compared to the bus we are riding in now, that had been chopped and
shaded specifically for this purpose.
The price seems a
bit steep at 30 / person but I am sure they watch their dollars and seem to
have grown well in the last 5 years offering more animals to view and it seems
better guides who seem to know their script well, and are quite informative and
up to date on their animals they have confined to the park and under their
care. Access for the handicapped is limited and may require climbing. The tour
lasts about 2.5 hrs. and it is exciting, especially when the rhinos are around.
The rhinos and the giraffes, when they are close are both sites we would have
to travel many miles to see. What is nice is that it is a piece of Africa in
our backyard. I would suggest you go see and enjoy for yourself.
·
·
·
No comments:
Post a Comment