The Wilds is open for winter and spring break adventures

CAMBRIDGE, Ohio ( WCMH ) – Although many people think about heading to The Wilds in the summer it turns out that this time of year can be just as fun and perhaps even more memorable.

About half of the collection of animals at The Wilds are from parts of the world like north America and northern Asia, where it gets cold in the winter. Those animals are able to stay in the same pastures you would see them in during the summer.

But the other half of the animals come from places like Africa, southeast Asia, where the climate is more tropical. Those animals spend the winter in heated complexes and barns. It’s that shift that gives way to a more unique winter experience for visitors.

“Our rhinos, particularly our white rhinos, love being pet,” said Animal Management Specialist Cody Cseplo. “When you come out here for a tour during this time of year, you can come up and interact with these guys and they love it.”

The other rhino species at The Wilds, the greater one horn rhinos love to be fed.

“They love carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas, and what not. So, if you come out here for a tour, we have some of that cut up for you and you have the chance to feed these guys.”

As if petting and feeding wasn’t draw enough there are also the babies.

“Most of our rhino calves are born from November through February, if you come out here during the winter, there’s probably a good chance you’re going to see a young rhino calf out here.”

And it’s not just the rhinos you can get up close and personal with, the giraffe barn is open too.

“In the summer you’re in the back of a pickup truck so they’re still leaning in to get to you but here in our giraffe barn, you are face-to-face with the giraffe,” said Animal Management Specialist Courtney Cordray. “So, guests will actually come to the giraffe barn and see the giraffe here interact with them feed them if they feel like they want to be fed that day.”

There is also lodging available year-round if you are looking for something more than a day trip. To learn more about The Wilds and book a Winter tour click here www.thewilds.org/winter .

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