The Wilds makes $15M regional economic impact according to Voinovich School study

The Wilds, a private, non-profit safari park and conservation center managed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, contributed approximately $15 million in regional economic impacts in 2018, according to a recent study produced Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs.

The report, produced by Dr. Gilbert Michaud, assistant professor of practice, confirmed that the conservation efforts by The Wilds in animal management, ecosystem protection, scientific research, conservation education and sustainability also helps develop the regional economy. The Wilds manages herds of more than 25 rare wildlife species on reclaimed coal mine land in Guernsey and Muskingum counties, Ohio, donated in 1984 by the Central Ohio Coal Company, a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP) company.

“Our mission is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife,” said Jan Ramer, vice president of The Wilds. “Our hope is that people will also feel inspired after their visits to make a lifestyle change that will assist us with conservation efforts that benefit our planet.”

In the study, Michaud calculated the direct, indirect and induced impact of The Wilds, located in Cumberland, Ohio. The study determined that, in 2018, The Wilds supported 179 jobs directly, 21 jobs indirectly and 21 jobs through induced employment effects, which is the economic impact created by the local re-spending of income at restaurants, convenience stores and others.

“The Wilds’ sustainable conservation efforts have worked to help protect the future of threatened and endangered wildlife species,” Michaud said. “They also support jobs in an area where economic development has been adversely affected after the fall of the coal industry.”

“To help wildlife, it’s also important to empower and engage people in joining us in our efforts. We are proud to have this important footprint in our local communities that, in turn, also make a difference for wildlife globally,” said Tom Stalf, President/CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds.

The study, entitled “Economic Impact of The Wilds,” uncovered the following key findings:

• In 2018, The Wilds hosted 119,132 visitors, primarily from Ohio and parts of West Virginia.
• The Wilds’ core group of employees come from a seven-county region, including Coshocton, Guernsey, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble and Perry Counties. 
• For every four employees at The Wilds, one additional full-time job is supported in the regional economy through supply chain effects and the spending of income.
• Almost $6 million in wages are paid to workers as a result of The Wilds’ activity.
• The Wilds helps support several jobs in other key regional industries such as restaurants, real estate, hospitals, gasoline and convenience stores and educational services, among others. 

For the complete report, visit the Voinovich School website.