American Association of Zoo Keepers
Thanks to all who participated in 2010 Bowling for Rhinos. We raised more than $6,000 this year for rhino conservation.
What is an AAZK Chapter?
An AAZK chapter is a local branch of the national American Association of Zoo Keepers organization. Our chapter is made up of a group of dedicated individuals committed to helping captive and wild animals.
What is Bowling for Rhinos?
Each year the Jacksonville Zoo AAZK chapter sponsors a fundraising bowl-a-thon called “Bowling for Rhinos” (BFR). The members involved collect sponsors and bowl three games. Over 50 chapters nationwide hold BFR events and raise over $200,000 annually. 100% of the money goes to help endangered rhinos and their ecosystems.
Where does the Money go that is raised in the Bowling for Rhinos Event?
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) in Kenya Africa
- Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia
- Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia
The money sent to these parks not only help to protect the rhinos, but entire ecosystems.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Kenya, Africa)
This sanctuary in Kenya includes 62,000 protected acres with a 2 meter tall electric fence. This area protects not only Black and White Rhinos, and over 75 other mammals such elephants, cheetahs, and zebras. More than 350 bird species utilize the conservancy along with numerous rare plant species.
Ujung Kulon National Park (Java, Indonesia)
This park includes 300 square miles of area and is home to some of the rarest and most endangered plants and animals on earth. The last of the Javan rhinos reside here, with only 60 remaining!
Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Sumatra, Indonesia)
This national park includes 3,568 square km of protected area and is believed to have one of the largest populations of Sumatran rhinos. This park also protects other endangered animals such as clouded leopards, tigers and Asian Elephants.
How much money has been raised?
Since 1990 the American Association of Zoo Keepers “Bowling for Rhinos” (BFR) fundraiser has raised a total of $3,466,911.00.In 2009, over 50 local chapters nationwide held BFR events raising over $256,785.00! All money was raised entirely by volunteer efforts of zoo staff members across the country.
