The Wilds

One perk of my job is getting to work outside occasionally. On Thursday, I had the family join me on a part-work, mostly-fun excursion to check out a potential research location: The Wilds. This is a nearly 10,000 acre wildlife conservation center managed by the Columbus Zoo that focuses on species that are endangered or extirpated (go ahead - look it up, this could be your word of the day). I am hoping to do water quality research there but that is besides the point - there were big animals! Really close! The Sichuan takin:

 Even though The Wilds does not open until May, we had a hands-on tour from a friend/colleague who also happens to be the Chief Science Officer for the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. WE GOT TO RUB BABY RHINOS ON THE CHIN AND TUMMY! Highlight for me. Asher wasn't fond of the rhinos, he started crying when he saw my hand (and much of my forearm) disappear inside a mama rhino's mouth. Even though it came out unharmed, just minus an apple and really slobbery, Asher starting screaming and didn't calm down until we were out of the rhino barn. Cadie feeding a baby greater one-horned Asian rhino:

 The giraffes were fun as well. They like romaine lettuce.

Below is the animal that made me nervous. It got really excited when Asher started walking away from the adults. 

As a research location it is probably not going to pan out but the family is looking forward to heading back again in the summer when there are more animals out in the pastures.