If you live in the U.S., you might be familiar with Secrets of the Zoo on the NatGeo channel. It features The Columbus Zoo and The Wilds — a safari-like park in Cumberland, Ohio.
I’ve been to The Columbus Zoo numerous times, but until yesterday, I have never been to The Wilds. To celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary (which is this Wednesday, the 18th), we decided to pay for the Wildside Tour. Unlike the standard tours at The Wilds, the Wildside Tours go off-road and up close to the wildlife.
We dealt with rain showers and blustery winds. I was an idiot and didn’t bring my lined rain jacket. The temperature was warm, and I thought I would overheat. But once the rain really started coming down, the wind picked up, and we were being driven around in an open-air vehicle, it got downright cold. I bought a $6 poncho at the gift shop to protect me from the worst of the rain, but I really could have done with my jacket. (Fun fact, if your clothes are damp and you put on a clear plastic poncho, condensation will build up inside and you basically become a human terrarium.)
Anyway, despite being wet and cold, I had an incredible experience. We both loved it.
Also: a video I took as I was feeding Sonya.
And another video I took of the baby rhino.
If you are within a reasonable driving distance of The Wilds, I highly recommend a visit! Even if you do the standard tour, you should still get to see a lot. (And you will get close to the animals that hang out by the road.)
Karyn Johnson 
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