Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

July 01, 2010 - Jacksonville, Fl -

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is holding its 20th annual Bowling for Rhinos on Friday, July 23, 2010, at Cassat’s Batt Bowl on1838 Cassat Avenue at 7:00 p.m.  Registration begins at 6:00 p.m. A $15 registration fee includes three games of bowling, and shoe rental.  Those interested in participating should visit jacksonvillezoo.org to pre-register. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event go directly to three rhino sanctuaries located in Africa and Indonesia.

“The hard work and dedication our zoo keepers display daily in caring for our animals is really impressive,” said Tony Vecchio, executive director of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.  “But, Bowling for Rhinos is the event that really shows their passion for conservation. It’s the one time of the year I break out the old bowling ball just to be a part of this important effort.”

Only five species of rhinoceros exist today, two African species and three Asian species. Poaching is the main threat to rhinos, and the need for protection is greater than ever. Sumatran rhino numbers are less than 300 animals, and fewer than 50 Javan rhinos are left on the planet. By participating in Bowling for Rhinos, participants can help save them from extinction. The money raised is then used for fencing of the sanctuaries, rangers to keep poachers away, a plane for patrol and a truck to transport animals to the sanctuaries. In addition to saving rhinos, we are helping save everything from orchids to elephants in some of these unique habitats in the world!