Rhinoceros roam "The Wilds" of Ohio!

There are Rhinoceros that roam "The Wilds" of Ohio, and no, I am not hallucinating. I took this photo of an Asian rhinoceros near Zainsville, Ohio. I had heard rumors of wild animals roaming free in this area for some time but didn't believe it until I went to see for myself. Not only did I see this Rhino but I saw Giraffes, Gazelles of all kind, Buffalo or Bison (not quite sure what they were), Zebra and a whole host of other animals. I am not making this up I have the photos to prove it. There is an area somewhere South East of Zainesville that used to be a mining facility, I am not sure what they used to mine there but you can see old oil rigs here and there. The mine consisted of about 10,000 acres of grassy fields with many small stands of trees spread about. It reminds me very much of the African Grasslands only with a bit more hills. When the mining stopped the land sat idle for a number of years, it was during this time that the animals began appearing. I am not sure which animals came first but they are definitely there now. If you don't believe me take a drive out and see for yourself.

Enough of the story, though I hope it has peeked your interest. These animals really are roaming "The Wilds" of Ohio. After the mining stopped the land sat idle for a number of years just like I said. At some point the land was donated to an organization that wanted to protect and preserve wildlife. As a result "The Wilds" of Ohio was born. The animals that they have really do roam the land, they have them segregated from one another but each kind of animal has several hundred acres of land to roam. "The Wilds" is associated with the Columbus Zoo and it is my favorite place to go. I have been 2 or 3 times now and I have enjoyed it every time. They have just started a Carnivorous Animal area where they have wild cats. If you would like more info on "The Wilds" just click on any of the words "The Wilds" and you will be directed to their website. If you live in Ohio I highly recommend you visit, I don't think you will be disappointed. Be sure to check their calender as their hours of operation are very unusual.

Photoman

P.S.

I would like to say welcome to my newest follower, Todd Kuhns who I guilted into becoming a follower of my blog.