21 October 2005

Wellington Zoo Bowling for Rhinos

Sixty Wellington Zoo staff, family and friends will be bowling their way towards raising money for the critically endangered Asian Rhinoceros as part of an Australasian zoos effort to help save this species, announced Wellington Zoo Keeper, Mandy Richards today.

“Although we don’t have Rhinoceros here at Wellington Zoo, as part of the international zoo community we work together to help to conserve wildlife,” says Mandy.

Established by Perth Zoo, Bowling for Rhinos is the second such fundraiser to raise awareness and support of endangered animal species. Projects include the protection of the Rhino in the wild, captive animal breeding programmes of the Sumatran Rhino and Rhino research and investigations into the illegal trade in Rhino horns.

All participating Zoo staff members have found sponsors for each point or strike they get on the bowling lane.

“Half of the money will go to the Asian Rhino Programme and the other half will go to the Australasian Society of Zoo Keeping (ASZK) to help fund the second International Congress on Zoo Keeping in May next year,” says Mandy.

Sponsorship for the International Congress on Zoo Keeping is needed to make this event as affordable as possible for our colleagues around the world and in particular animal carers from poorer countries who benefit hugely from attending conferences such as this.

There are three Asian Rhinoceros species – the Javan, the Sumatran and the Indian or Greater one-horned Rhino. The first two species are critically endangered – their numbers in the wild amount to 70 and <300 respectively. Poaching is the primary threat to the Rhino. They are poached for their horns, used for medicinal remedies and dagger handles. These illusive forest dwellers are primarily snared and trapped for days before being found, killed and their horns removed.

Donations for Asian Rhinos are gratefully accepted by Wellington Zoo and will be passed on to the above organisations. For more information on making a donation, please contact Wellington Zoo on 04 381 6755.

Wellington Zoo is also putting two Cheetah Encounters up for auction on www.trademe.co.nz with proceeds going towards helping to save the Asian Rhinoceros. Visit the Trade Me website to place your bid, but be quick, bids close 26 October 2005!

ENDS

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