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Bowling for Rhinos
Source: Bowling for Rhinos
Each year the American Association of Zoo keepers (AAZK) sponsors a fund raising bowl-a-thon called “Bowling for Rhinos” (BFR). This is similar to the March of Dimes Walk-a-thon only we bowl and collect sponsors rather than walk. Over 60 AAZK chapters participate throughout the US and Canada raising over $150,000 annually. BFR funds support LWC-Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (formerly called Ngare Sergio rhino sanctuary) in Kenya, Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) in Sumatra. These sanctuaries not only save rhinos but also these entire ecosystems!
Rhinos have lived on earth for over 50 million years but whether they survive even 50 more years is open to speculation. Only 5 species of rhino exist today when once there were over 100 species. All 5 species- The White, Black, Indian, Sumatran and Javen are endangered. Only the white rhino with a population of 4,600 seems to be somewhat safe from extinction. In 1960, 60,000 black rhinos roamed Africa. Today only 2,500 remain in isolated populations. On the Asian continent, the Indian population remains at 2,000. The Sumatran numbers 200 and the Javan has only 47 animals.
The Black rhino is a symbol of conservation in Africa as out Bald eagle is to us. If the black rhino were to go extinct what message would we give our children? The rhino is a large, key species. By striving to save the rhino, we save large expanses of habitat. By saving these habitats, we are saving many endangered species, not just the rhino.
The rhino is our link to the dinosaurs as it has lived on earth over 50 million years but can not survive machine guns and man. The rhino is killed for its horn to be used in oriental medicines and symbolic dagger handles. So valuable is the horn to poachers that the rhino can not survive unless it is on protected sanctuaries such as LWC. “BFR” money is used to fence in these areas, purchase planes and land rover vehicles to curtail poaching, translocate rhino into the sanctuary, and salaries for anti-poaching security guards.
The black rhino is AAZK’s National symbol and we believe we have an obligation to save it from extinction. Through our efforts, we feel we can save these valuable habitats and the animals living in their safe havens for future generations to enjoy.
Want to help save an entire ecosystem while still having fun?
Join the Sioux Falls Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers in their 11th annual “Bowling for Rhinos” fund raiser on Friday, July 22nd from 6 to 9pm at Empire Bowl (3800 S. Westport – East of Target). 100% of all proceeds go directly to the Ngare Sergio Sanctuary in Kenya, Africa and Ujung Kulon sanctuary in Java, Indonesia.
You can pledge your support by:
- Individual or team bowling: The cost is only $6 per bowler. Bowlers get a pizza dinner, bowling until 9pm, shoe rental and a pledge sheet. Each bowler will be entered in our door prize drawings. All bowlers must raise (or contribute) at least $20.
- Prize Donations: Donate an item to be given away as a prize.
- Sponsor a Bowler: Send your tax-deductible contribution to the address on the right.
Make Checks payable to “GPZ”
For more information, please call (605) 367-8313×23
AAZK is a volunteer, non-profit 501c(3) organization of professionals dedicated to professional zoological animal care and conservation.
Last Update:Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at 07:42:00
