The Wilds

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While visiting Karen's sister in Columbus we went to "The Wilds" in Cumberland, Ohio. It is located on land that was once surface mined for coal. Because of the Federal Reclamation Act of 1971 they were required to put topsoil back and make plantings to keep it from eroding. In the late 70s a public-private partnership was involved to create the initial concept for the Wilds. The Wilds opened to the public in 1991.

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The Wilds is the largest wildlife conservation center in North America and is open between the months of May and October. You ride though the park in a school bus type vehicle where the top was cut off and replaced with  canvas top for shade. They had a number of different species of animals on the grounds and some, like the camel and the ostrich, will come right up to the vehicle and even put their head in the vehicle. It was very enjoyable way to spend the day.

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