Wild Research

Involving Zoo visitors in Research and Conservation Action Across the Planet

Through the Wild Research project from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Miami University’s Project Dragonfly, Zoo visitors now have an unprecedented opportunity to make their own discoveries and contribute to the Cincinnati Zoo’s renowned conservation efforts around the globe.

Funded by a major National Science Foundation grant, Wild Research adds interactive investigation elements to popular Zoo exhibits, inviting visitors to join the community of science and become part of the conservation story.

Deepening the Public’s Engagement in Science and Conservation

As part of Wild Research, 15 zoos and aquariums throughout the country make up the Wild Research Consortium. Consortium members attend leadership workshops each year at conservation sites in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Wild Research Stations at The Cincinnati Zoo

The Gorilla World Wild Research Station

Imagine what could happen if even a fraction of Zoo visitors exploring Gorilla World became part of the gorilla conservation story. The Zoo's most powerful force in conservation is you, our staff, volunteers, and visitors.

At the Wild Research interactive station, “Which Gorilla Are You?” visitors take a gorilla personality quiz to find out which real gorilla they are most like. Recently some celebrities took the quiz with these results: Celebrity Results (PDF). You can try the same quiz to see which gorilla you most resemble at the Gorilla World Station or online.

At the Gorilla Wild Research Station you can also…

Hoot like a gorilla! Discover what gorillas are saying and record your own hoots, screams, and pig grunts!
Be a 3-minute primatologist! Investigate what gorillas do all day, where they hang out, and whether or not they have friends.

The World of Insects Leaf-Cutter Ant Wild Research Station

Get up close and personal with the amazing and highly social leaf-cutter ants. Clock an ant's speed. Does carrying a leaf slow it down? Just how many ants are there? Try your hand at counting ants as they walk by! What leaves do ants choose? Fuzzy or smooth? Tough or soft? Find out using real science equipment!

The Discovery Forest Wild Research Station

Explore plants and take a clue-based quest through the forest in search of a hidden forest shaman. You can also test the sensitivity of a sensitive plant. Will it move more with wind or water? ...The tickle of a feather or finger?

Rent the Wild Pack today!

The Cincinnati Zoo is thrilled to introduce The Wild Pack, an easy-to-use mobile investigation station filled with super-cool gear to help you explore your Zoo! With tools from the lightweight Wild Pack - like binoculars, stopwatches and animal guides - families and school groups can investigate the Zoo like never before.

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