The Wilds The Wilds - Park News

On January 12th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.2) Pere David's deer to the Memphis Zoo in Tennessee.

Memphis Zoo Welcomes New Pere David's Deer

On February 15th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (4.0) cheetahs named Fehli, Kheops, Klaus, and Kyle to the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Canada in early February*.

Cheetah | Greater Vancouver Zoo Animals

On April 19th, the zoo announced they received accreditation from The World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA).

The Wilds
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Welcomes The Wilds as Member of Global Zoological Community | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

* Information partially given by @Cheetah in the Greater Vancouver Zoo News thread (Page 11 Post #211).
 
Piece of April/May 2024 News Worth Mentioning:

On April 30th, the zoo announced that a further (1.2) southern white rhinos were born between August 2023 to February 2024.

The Wilds

On May 1st, it was reported that 21 animals were born at the facility (at the time of publishing) of various species including Pere's David deer and Sichuan takins, as well as the aforementioned rhino births.

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Frankie_number_1_fan said:
I don't believe this was shared this year, but the Wilds has released a rendering for their upcoming new state of the art giraffe barn!

The Wilds on Instagram: "Your gift to The Wilds Fund on GivingTuesday will help with projects like the construction of our new, state-of-the-art giraffe barn. This barn will provide an expansive new space during winter where our giraffes can exercise while staying cozy and warm. The barn will also allow privacy for giraffe mothers with newborn calves. Link in bio."
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On October 14th, the zoo announced they raised funds for the construction of the giraffe barn, as well as released 2 new renders of the project.

The Wilds
 
Piece of September 2024 News Not Mentioned:
IndianRhino said:
Another GOHR calf has been born!!

0.1 Sanya gave birth to a healthy male calf, her seventh, on November 25th. The sire of both this calf and the female born back in September is 1.0 Suru.

Second Greater One-horned Rhino Calf Born at The Wilds This Fall Offers Hope for Species | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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Smaggledagle said:
On April 30th, the zoo announced that a further (1.2) southern white rhinos were born between August 2023 to February 2024.
The Wilds
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On September 17th, the zoo announced they named the Indian rhino Pork Chop, as well as named the southern white rhinos Axl Rose, Marble, and Socks.

Celebrating the First Birthdays of The Wilds' Rhino Calves | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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On October 18th, the zoo announced they, alongside several partners, released 783 American burying beetles to multiple different sites. On October 25th, the zoo also announced they collected 122 wild American burying beetles from Nebraska to diversify the breeding stock, of which 891 beetles hatching.

The Wilds
The Wilds
birdsandbats said:
A $7 Million new campground (RV and tent camping) as well hiking and biking trails, a swimming beach and more fishing areas:

Columbus Zoo & The Wilds announce $50 million in capital projects

Excited to see more hiking trails especially. Lots of interesting wildlife species, especially birds, make their home at The Wilds, and more access to view them will be nice.
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On November 12th, the zoo announced that the campground will be called the Hellbender RV Campground which will open to the public in late spring/June 2025.

The Wilds
The Wilds | Campgrounds
 
Birth of 2 Sichuan Takins.
The Wilds on Instagram: "We have some exciting (and adorable) news for your Monday morning! We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our newest takin kids at The Wilds, born on March 17 and 25! At birth, takin kids typically weigh a healthy 12-15 pounds, with female takins growing to be up to 600 pounds, and males sometimes exceeding 700 pounds. Our newest takin kids will grow up along with the herd, reaching their full adult size after about two years. Guests will soon have the opportunity to see these playful kids in action on our Wildside tours and Open-Air Safaris, once the regular tour season starts. Both kids are already showing off their bold personalities. They love to form nursery groups, hanging out together while their moms graze. You might catch them climbing, jumping, and even head-butting each other in playful antics! We can't wait for you to meet them and hope you enjoy these adorable photos in the meantime! Join us in welcoming our newest additions. "
 
On April 25th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (0.2) African wild dogs to Greenville Zoo in South Carolina.

79K views · 972 reactions | New neighbors SPOTTED! Miles, Autumn and Blossom curiously watched as Greenville Zoo staff helped a young family move into the exhibit next door. Two... | By City of Greenville, South Carolina Government | Facebook

Smaggledagle said:
On November 12th, the zoo announced that the campground will be called the Hellbender RV Campground which will open to the public in late spring/June 2025.

The Wilds
The Wilds | Campgrounds
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On May 30th, the zoo officially opened the Hellbender RV Campground to the public*.

The Wilds

* For enthusiasts, it should be noted inside the store building there is an exhibit for eastern hellbenders.
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
Two baby animals were born recently - a Grevy's Zebra foal was born on July 7th to Two Step and Lisa Marie, and an Indian Rhinoceros calf was born to Suru and Rohini at The Wilds on July 18th.
Double the Celebration at The Wilds with Births of Rhino and Zebra | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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Birth of a second Grévy's Zebra on Aug. 4th.
The Wilds on Instagram: "There’s a new set of stripes in our pastures! On Monday, August 4, 2025, The Wilds welcomed a SECOND Grévy’s zebra foal! The baby’s sex hasn’t been determined just yet, and the foal’s mother, Cat, was born right here at The Wilds in 2015 and is now celebrating her second offspring. The father, Two Step, is 16 years old and has now sired four foals. This is the second Grévy’s zebra foal born this summer at The Wilds, and guests on Open-Air Safaris and Wildside Safaris have already had a chance to spot the new arrival out on pasture. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled during your visit—this little one is already exploring!"
 
The Wilds has just been accredited by the ZAA
The Wilds on Instagram: "We are thrilled to announce our accreditation by the @zoologicalassociationofamerica (ZAA), an international association and accrediting body. Leadership at The Wilds was notified of this achievement following a comprehensive three-day, on-site inspection in June by a team of experienced zoological professionals, a rigorous review period by the ZAA accreditation committee, and full ZAA Board of Directors approval and voting process. ZAA is a non-profit, membership-based, accrediting organization dedicated to its mission of responsible wildlife management, conservation, and education, and upholding the highest level of professional standards in animal wellbeing, safety, and ethics. The association is unique in that it is comprised of public and private facilities of wildlife educators, rescue facilities, TV and film industry animal experts, wildlife preserves, small community zoos, large zoological facilities, aquariums, and conservation organizations—all working together to elevate the care and welfare for wildlife in professional care. The Wilds now joins the ranks of more than 70 facilities accredited by ZAA, including the @columbuszoo. Accreditation must be renewed every five years, requiring that facilities reapply and undergo internal reviews and approvals, as well as the site visit in its entirety, to ensure that standards are upheld. In addition to its new accreditation achieved through ZAA, The Wilds is accredited by @zoos_aquariums (AZA), is an Institution Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and holds the distinction of American Humane Certified™ through @americanhumane. Be sure to read our news release on our website for more information."
 
Zorro said:
Would it be any easier to transfer animals in and out of the collection to ZAA zoos?
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I mean, I assume as much?

But why be ZAA accredited when they're already AZA accredited? AZA is the gold standard, while the ZAA is... associated with some controversial facilities to say the least.
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
Two baby animals were born recently - a Grevy's Zebra foal was born on July 7th to Two Step and Lisa Marie, and an Indian Rhinoceros calf was born to Suru and Rohini at The Wilds on July 18th.
Double the Celebration at The Wilds with Births of Rhino and Zebra | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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The Rhino calf is a girl, she has been called JULIE.
The Wilds on Instagram: "The baby rhino has a name... Meet Julie! When Jack and Suzi Hanna moved to Ohio in 1979, their daughters—Kathaleen, Suzanne, and Julie—grew up surrounded by animals and conservation, sharing in their parents’ passion for wildlife. So, when Julie recently celebrated her 50th birthday, it came as no surprise that her older sister, Kathaleen, wanted to honor her in a way that reflected that lifelong bond. “This was a fun way to support The Wilds while honoring my sister Julie on her 50th birthday,” Kathaleen said. “We all love rhinos, but Julie’s favorite has always been the magnificent one-horned rhino, also known as ‘Rhinoceros unicornis,’ and, since Julie also adores unicorns, this seemed like the perfect present!” Julie Hanna worked at the Columbus Zoo for many years and had a natural gift for caring for baby animals—especially those needing extra love and attention. Diagnosed with leukemia at age two, Julie has faced lifelong health challenges, including multiple brain surgeries caused by radiation treatments she received as a child. Despite it all, her compassion and empathy have always shined through, creating special bonds with the young animals she nurtured. “Now, when visitors come to The Wilds, they will see baby rhino Julie following her mother closely. It will always be a reminder of my sister’s special bond with baby animals and all she has contributed to their survival and wellbeing,” Kathaleen added. Thanks to conservation efforts in India, Nepal, and places like The Wilds, the greater one-horned rhino—once on the brink of extinction—has made an inspiring comeback. Today, there are an estimated 4,000 of these remarkable animals living in their native ranges. “Rhinos have survived, despite the many challenges they have faced over the centuries, and naming a baby rhino as a tribute to Julie’s own survival is the perfect way to celebrate her big birthday,” Kathaleen said. Julie the rhino and her mom, Rohini, can be seen together at The Wilds—an incredible reminder of strength, love, and the lasting connections between people and wildlife."
 
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