Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

July 18, 2012 - Jacksonville, Fl -

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) is holding its 22nd annual Bowling for Rhinos at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2012, at Batt Family Fun Center located at 1838 Cassat Avenue.  The event is open to the public. 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 for more information or to pre-register.

At this year’s event you are likely to see some of your favorite TV personalities and newspaper writers and photographers!  Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens invited news media staff to a special challenge. The news station or newspaper that wins will be presented with a specially crafted faux rhino horn trophy that will be passed along from year-to-year to the new winner. The loser of the challenge will have to clean the rhino barn at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens!

“Bowling for Rhinos is a conservation event aimed at protecting rhinos and their habitats”, said Yaira Osborne, President of the Jacksonville Zoo Chapter of AAZK. “It’s a great way for the community to come together, embrace wildlife, by supporting such a worthy cause.”

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.  One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event go directly to three rhino sanctuaries located in Africa and Indonesia. 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 the most unique habitats in the world,” said Brian Eisele, Bowling for Rhinos Co-Chairperson. “The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Chapter of AAZK has been an active participant in Bowling for Rhinos since 1990.  The Zoo has raised over $67,000 for this event.”

About the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
For nearly a century, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring the discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experiences in a caring environment. Started in 1914 with an animal collection that consisted of one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens now has more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals. It has won national acclaim for its South American Range of the Jaguar exhibit and regional, state and local awards for its botanical gardens. The Jacksonville Zoo is a nonprofit organization and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is open year-round, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas day, and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information on the Zoo, log on to http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org.