Columbus Zoo-linked The Wilds opens 2026 season with two rhino calves

The Wilds opened for its 2026 summer season in Cumberland, Ohio, giving columbus zoo visitors access to nearly 10,000 acres of rolling pastures and a recent pair of southern white rhino calves. Dr. Joe Greathouse said, "Each season at The Wilds brings something new," as the conservation center begins another summer of tours and overnight stays.

Greathouse on The Wilds

The vice president’s comment fits the new season’s draw: two southern white rhino calves at a site that houses more than 30 rare and endangered species from around the world. The births add a fresh stop for guests who come for the Open-Air Safari Tour, the Sunset Safari, or the Zipline Safari.

The Wilds also offers the Wildside Tour, led by an Animal Management team member, along with Fishing Safaris, Horseback Safaris, and Birding tours. The Open-Air Safari Tour is presented by G&J Pepsi.

Overnight stays at The Wilds

Visitors can also book adults-only stays at WildeCamp or the adults-only yurts at Nomad Ridge. Family options include Cabins at Straker Lake, the Lodge, WildNights at the Outpost ultimate camping experiences, and the Hellbender RV Campground.

The campground is entering its second full season as a 75-acre site with full-service RV sites, primitive camping options, trails, and family-friendly amenities. The Restoring Nature at The Wilds Ecology Tour adds another route through the property, with stops tied to native prairie restoration, eastern hellbenders, and American burying beetles.

Wilds conservation draw

The Wilds sits on reclaimed surface mining land, and its pastures include rare and endangered species such as greater one-horned rhinos, southern white rhinos, Masai giraffes, takin, and Père David’s deer. For visitors, the practical change is simple: the 2026 season is open now, with the newest animal additions and the full list of safari and overnight experiences available across the property.