CUMBERLAND, Ohio — The Wilds, a renowned conservation center and adventure park in Muskingum County, is celebrating milestones with the exciting births of two rare and endangered species — a Przewalski’s horse and a Masai giraffe. These new arrivals not only bring joy to the staff and visitors but also symbolize hope for wildlife conservation efforts worldwide.
A New Generation of the “Last Wild Horse”
On August 9, a Przewalski’s horse foal was born to first-time mother Paisley and father Maksim. This special birth holds deep significance for The Wilds, as the Przewalski’s horse was the very first species introduced to the conservation center in 1992, even before it opened to the public in 1994.
Paisley, born at the San Diego Safari Park in 2013, came to The Wilds from the Minnesota Zoo in 2023. Maksim, her mate, was born in 2017 at the Minnesota Zoo and joined The Wilds in 2024 from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia. Both animals were paired based on expert recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) — a program that ensures genetic health and diversity among endangered animals in human care.
This new foal is the 26th surviving Przewalski’s horse born at The Wilds and the first since 2015. Known as the last truly wild horse, the Przewalski’s species went extinct in the wild in the 1960s but survived due to global breeding and reintroduction programs.
Today, there are an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 Przewalski’s horses across zoos, national parks, and reintroduction sites in Mongolia, China, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The Wilds continues to play a critical role in protecting this iconic species and restoring its population to its natural range.
| Species | Name / Parents | Birth Date | Origin | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Przewalski’s Horse | Paisley (mother) & Maksim (father) | August 9, 2025 | Mongolia / Central Asia | Endangered |
| Masai Giraffe | Lulu (mother) & Raha (father) | August 27, 2025 | Africa | Endangered |
Welcoming a Masai Giraffe Calf
Just weeks later, on August 27, The Wilds welcomed another wonderful addition — a Masai giraffe calf, born to Lulu and Raha. This is Lulu’s fourth calf, and she has been part of The Wilds family since 2014 after being born at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in 2012. Raha, her mate, was born at the Los Angeles Zoo in 2006 and arrived at The Wilds from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in 2009.
Raha has now sired 13 calves, contributing significantly to the conservation of Masai giraffes. This pairing was also recommended by the Species Survival Plan, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy and genetically diverse populations.
According to The Wilds, this birth represents an important conservation milestone, as Masai giraffes are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their numbers have dropped by nearly 50% in the last 30 years due to habitat loss, poaching, and environmental changes.
“Celebrating Milestones” in Wildlife Conservation
“These births are wonderful milestones for The Wilds and for the conservation of these species that face significant challenges in their native ranges,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds.
She added that the new arrivals allow the organization to share meaningful stories with visitors, helping people understand the importance of conservation. “Guests play an essential role in protecting wildlife by supporting our mission of empowering people and saving wildlife,” Dr. Ramer said.
Both the Przewalski’s horse and Masai giraffe highlight The Wilds’ global conservation impact, proving how collaboration between zoos, sanctuaries, and conservation programs can help reverse the decline of endangered animals.
Life at The Wilds
As autumn brings cooler nights to Ohio, the giraffe family — Lulu, Raha, and their calf — are staying warm inside the Giraffe Barn, where visitors can see them during Wildside Safari Tours. Meanwhile, the hardy Przewalski’s horses, including Paisley and her foal, are already enjoying the open pastures, well adapted to cold climates similar to their native Mongolian steppes.
Visitors can spot them during Open-Air Safari Tours, which are presented by G&J Pepsi. These tours offer an educational and up-close experience, giving guests the opportunity to learn about the species and The Wilds’ ongoing conservation efforts.
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Global Impact Through Local Effort
The Wilds continues to stand as a beacon of hope for wildlife preservation. Its conservation programs not only protect endangered species but also educate the public on the importance of biodiversity and sustainable coexistence. Through careful breeding, scientific research, and public engagement, the organization demonstrates that local actions can lead to global results.
The success stories of the Przewalski’s horse and Masai giraffe serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved when humans work together to protect nature. Each birth is not just a number — it’s a step forward in celebrating milestones for global conservation.
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Learn More
Visitors and wildlife enthusiasts can explore The Wilds’ various tours, conservation projects, educational programs, and upcoming events at TheWilds.org or by following The Wilds on social media.
As The Wilds celebrates these remarkable births, they continue to inspire a new generation of conservationists and nature lovers — reminding the world that every life saved is a milestone worth celebrating.
