Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

July 08, 2011 - Jacksonville, Fl -

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will host its second annual Save the Rhinos event on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Zoo’s Great Lawn and Plains of East Africa rhino overlook. Conservation-conscious guests of all ages are invited to explore the challenges facing wild rhinos and international conservation efforts.  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.

Event highlights will include information stations, animal encounters, prize drawings and animal enrichment.  Younger guests will be invited to enjoy children’s activities and games such as “Pin the Horn on the Rhino”, and a rhino scent game. Children will also be able to enjoy a visit from Jazoo, the Zoo’s friendly lion mascot, and a visit from Jazoo’s friend, the rhino mascot.  Admission to this event is free with regular Zoo admission.

Event attendees will also find information on Bowling for Rhinos scheduled for July 22nd at 7 p.m. at Batt Family Fun Center in Orange Park.  The bowling fundraiser is organized by the zookeepers of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK).  Funds collected from participants will be donated to three rhino sanctuaries located in Africa and Indonesia.  More information is available through the “Bowling for Rhinos” link at jacksonvillezoo.org.

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.