Carnivore Conservation

As more of the world's carnivores become endangered species a conservation center in Ohio, (www.thewilds.org.), is taking action in the new building of a $5million project for a Carnivore Conservation Center. at the new center visitors will be able be educated about different species such as cheetah's and dholes...

In a recent article;

Meaty addition at Wilds
Two-story building, mid-sized carnivores like cheetahs, wild dogs from Asia and Africa part of $5 million project
By Bob Downing
Beacon journal staff writer
http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/living/17314559.htm


CUMBERLAND - There's something new at The Wilds.

The wild animal/conservation facility is opening a new venue in east-central Ohio: the $5 million Mid-Sized Carnivore Conservation Center. That's where visitors will be able to see and learn about cheetahs, African wild dogs and dholes.

Dholes are Asian wild dogs. They are the so-called red dogs of The Jungle Book.

The Wilds will become the second facility in the United States and the third in North America to house dholes. Dhole numbers have plummeted in Asia due to loss of habitat, persecution as a pest and vermin and dog-related illnesses.

The new center, scheduled to open early this month, covers 60 acres and includes 22 enclosures ranging in size from one to three acres with special fencing to keep the predators in.

A two-story building will house offices, a veterinary clinic and a public viewing deck. Elevated walkways will connect the main building to viewing overlooks and a central park area.

The facility was built with $1 million in state money and $600,000 in federal funds.

The center is the first major animal addition in years to The Wilds, a refocused operation that defies easy description. It is part Noah's Ark for endangered species, part drive-through zoo, part animal breeding farm, part scientific research facility and part tourist attraction.

Its mission is conservation and research but it needs tourism to survive. It has been called the conservation center for the 21st century and tries to showcase its work, not exhibits.

The Wilds was nearly forced to close in 2001 and 2002 due to financial problems. But it was reorganized and is doing well.

The facility also offers workshops and classes and other activities including bird and butterfly watching, mountain biking and fly fishing.

Officially known as the International Center for the Preservation of Wild Animals, The Wilds is only two hours from Akron and makes a pretty cool one-day trip for families. Located between Zanesville and Cambridge, about 70 miles east of Columbus, it is expecting 70,000 visitors this year, said director Evan S. Blumer

To read the full artcile:http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/living/17314559.htm