Joe Greathouse (Photo Provided)

CUMBERLAND, Ohio — A familiar face is returning to The Wilds.

Joe Greathouse, Ph.D. — who previously served as director of wildlife ecology at The Wilds from 2012-2015 — has been named vice president of The Wilds, overseeing the safari park and conservation center’s animal care, guest experience, operations, educational programs, and conservation priorities.

In this role, which begins Jan. 26, Greathouse will help shape The Wilds’ long-term direction, strengthening conservation outcomes and supporting experiences that inspire guests to connect with and protect wildlife, while advancing the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

“Dr. Greathouse brings a rare combination of conservation expertise, operational leadership, and a lifelong commitment to animal wellbeing,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “Joe’s experience supporting innovative conservation research, and building strong, mission-driven teams makes him an excellent fit to help guide The Wilds, one of the Columbus Zoo’s most impactful conservation centers, into its next chapter.”

Greathouse joins The Wilds from Oglebay Good Zoo, where he has served as Zoo Director since 2016. In that role, he supported the growth of the institution by doubling revenue and expanding staffing within the animal care department, with an emphasis on animal wellbeing. He also led the development of new facilities and renovated habitats for species including red wolves, cheetahs, red river hogs, servals, maned wolves, bobcats, snow leopards, and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, and assisted in the development of the Gary E. West Pridelands lion habitats and villas currently under construction.

In addition to his leadership experience, Greathouse served as an Assistant Professor of Biology at West Liberty University from 2015-2022, where he taught courses within the Zoo Science program and led research focused on hellbender head-starting and conservation in West Virginia. He also helped develop the West Liberty University and Oglebay Zoo Zoo Science major – one of only a few bachelor’s degree programs in Zoo Science in the United States.

During his previous time at The Wilds, Greathouse managed the Wilds Scholar Intern program and led conservation projects associated with hellbender surveys, head-starting, and reintroduction. He also managed a variety of ecology projects across The Wilds’ property, focusing on amphibian, reptile, and carnivore conservation, and assisted in the development of The Wilds’ Hellbender Conservation Center.

Earlier in his career, Greathouse served as Curator of Animals at Oglebay Good Zoo from 2001-2012, managing the animal care department and supporting several notable zoological and conservation milestones. In 2007, Oglebay Good Zoo became the first zoo in the world to hatch hellbender eggs collected from the wild. Greathouse also conducted hellbender telemetry and surveillance research and supported reproductive management efforts, including red wolf conservation, with 26 pups successfully produced to date.

Greathouse began his zoological career as an intern and keeper in 1999. He holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, a master’s degree in wildlife and fisheries resources management, and a doctorate in animal and food sciences (animal nutrition), all from West Virginia University.

“I’m honored to return to The Wilds and to help build on its incredible legacy of conservation, animal care, and education,” Greathouse said. “The Wilds is a truly unique place that creates incredible impact for wildlife and inspires guests in powerful ways. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead and support the dedicated team behind this work and to help advance the mission in the years ahead.”

The Wilds sits on almost 10,000 acres of landscapes along the Appalachian Byway and attracts nearly 120,000 visitors annually. With the mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife, The Wilds is among one of the largest, cutting-edge conservation centers in North America and is home to more than 500 animals representing 28 rare and endangered species from around the world. The Wilds operates tours, overnight accommodations, special events, and summer camps as a source of revenue. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. The Wilds is open year round, with a full line of tour options running from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.