Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

July 11, 2012 - Jacksonville, Fl -

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will host its third annual Save the Rhinos event on Saturday, July 14th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 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 and animal enrichment. There will be keeper chats at the rhino overlook at the Plains of East Africa at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. At the Zoo’s Great Lawn, younger guests will be invited to enjoy children’s activities and games such as “Pin the Horn on the Rhino”. 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.

At the event, attendees will also find information on Bowling for Rhinos, scheduled for July 27th at 7:00 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.

Janel Jankowski, rhino zookeeper at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, said “Extinction is forever.  Rhinos are magnificent, innocent, irreplaceable animals that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing in one way or another within their lifetime.  Save the Rhinos and Bowling for Rhinos are incredibly valuable and fun events to build awareness and collect much needed funding to help save these animals.  One hundred percent of all donations go towards conservation efforts in-situ (in the animal’s native land), especially focusing on the five remaining rhino species on the brink of extinction.”

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.