Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

July 08, 2011 - Jacksonville, Fl -

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) is holding its 21st annual Bowling for Rhinos on Friday, July 22, 2011 at Batt Family Fun Center on 1838 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.

“Bowling for Rhinos is a conservation event aimed at protecting rhinos and their habitats”, said Yaira Osborne, secretary of the Jacksonville 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!

“The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Chapter of AAZK has been an active participant in Bowling for Rhinos since 1990 and has raised over $60,000 for this event,” said Brian Eisele, Bowling for Rhinos Co-Chairperson.       
                               
For more than 96 years, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been dedicated to inspiring discovery and appreciation of wildlife through innovative experience in a caring environment.  Since its beginning in 1914, with an animal collection that consisted of only one red deer fawn, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has become one of the top zoos in the nation.  It now features more than 1,800 rare and exotic animals and over 1,000 unique plant species. Preservation of sustainable biodiversity is a key mission of the Zoo.  The Zoo is a non-profit organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.  It is open year-round, seven-days-a-week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located on Jacksonville’s north side at 370 Zoo Parkway, one-half mile east from I-95.  For more information, go to jacksonvillezoo.org.