Why Would We Be Bowling For Rhinos?

Because we LOVE rhinos!

What is Bowling for Rhinos?
Each year the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) sponsors a fundraising bowl-a-thon called Bowling for Rhinos. Since its beginning in 1990, Bowling for Rhinos has raised $3.5 million for wild rhino conservation. 100% of the funds raised from the event go toward protecting the world’s remaining 24,500 rhinos.

In Kenya we support the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy where our donations help protect both black and white rhinos. In Indonesia we help protect the remaining Javan rhinos at Ujung Kulon National Park and the Sumatran rhinos in Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s chapter of AAZK has been an active participant in Bowling for Rhinos for several years, raising over $25,000 to date. With your help, we can continue to help protect these amazing animals! (Photo left: Mom and baby black rhino.)

Why Save the Rhinos?
Only 5 rhino species exist today when once there were over 100 distinct species. The 5 remaining species – White, Black, Indian, Sumatran and Javan – are all critically endangered and are being heavily poached for their horns, which are used as dagger handles and for Oriental medicines.

Rhinos are a keystone species:
•They are mainly browsers, keeping shrubs and bushes in check by pruning them.
•They dig up roots with their horns during feeding, exposing their tender shoots for smaller herbivores to feed on.
•They disrupt the soil, which allows for easier seed germination.
•They fertilize the land with their dung and help spread seeds.
•Their skin harbors parasites, which provide food for birds.

By protecting rhinos, we save large expanses of habitat. Saving these habitats protect many other endangered species as well as rhinos.

What is AAZK?
AAZK is a national professional association of zookeepers and other individuals interested in conservation locally and internationally. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s chapter raises money through fundraising events to buy enrichment for the Zoo’s animals, provide professional development opportunities for Animal Staff, and to support conservation organizations that protect animals and habitat.
(Photo right: Baby white rhino).

BOWLING DETAILS:
Come show off your awesome bowling skills, how great you look in those shoes, and HELP US SAVE RHINOS!

PRIZES, RAFFLES, ANIMALS FROM THE ZOO and MORE!

Saturday, May 8, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
Brunswick Zone, 999 N. Circle Drive
Cost: $10 per bowler + sponsor dollars

All are welcome but you must pre-register to bowl. Visit online (click Upcoming Events and Happenings) or call 719-633-9925 x133.

Visit our Facebook page for FUN rhino trivia every Wednesday and all throughout the week of May 3, 2010.


(Photo above:Indian rhinos.)