Spot Rare Wildlife in the Midwest at The Wilds

An African safari may not align with your family travel plans, but that doesn’t mean spotting rare wildlife can’t be on your clan’s itinerary. At The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, families can wake to the sounds of southern white rhinos grazing grassy plains or take an off-road journey to find scimitar-horned oryx.

“The Wilds is a living conservation center working to protect species across the globe,” said Dr. Joe Smith, vice president, The Wilds. “Conservation is the heart of The Wilds, and we are eager to share our story with guests, inspiring them to join us in our mission to protect wildlife.”

The nearly 10,000-acre The Wilds is one of the largest conservation centers in the world, offering a range of tour options, including open-air safaris. Endangered species like Grevy’s zebra, Przewalski’s wild horses and the aforementioned southern white rhino roam in vast pastures.

The Wilds boasts more than 500 animals across 28 species and is committed to securing wildlife populations for generations. The facility recently aided in reintroducing the scimitar-horned oryx to its native homeland in African Chad, where dozens now thrive on protected lands. The Wilds is also home to seven greater one-horned rhinos as one of only 17 Association of Zoos and Aquarium-accredited facilities in North America to care for the species.

In addition to a number of tour and activities options, travelers can choose from a range of accommodations, including a lodge, cabins and luxury yurts.