Bowl With the Zookeepers to Help Them Help Rhinos

By Mercede New 

Jacksonville, FL - The zoo keepers of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Jacksonville Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK), invite the public to AAZK’s 19th annual Bowling for Rhinos event at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, July 25th at Jax Lanes West. Bowling for Rhinos is a fun event for a serious cause -- to protect the five species of rhinos found worldwide. By participating in Bowling for Rhinos, participants can help save these critically-endangered species. All of the proceeds from the event go directly to three rhino sanctuaries located in Africa and Indonesia. Money raised is used for fencing of the sanctuaries to keep poachers away, provides transportation, and pays everyday maintenance costs and education expenses for the surrounding villages.

The Jacksonville Chapter of AAZK, made up largely of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ zoo keepers and other employees, has been an active participant in Bowling for Rhinos since 1990, raising more than $50,000 to date. Event pre-registration by June 30th is encouraged by going to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ Web site at jacksonvillezoo.org and clicking on the “Bowling for Rhinos” link. Simply complete the registration form and email it along with a $15 fee to jaxaazk@yahoo.com. The fee covers three games of bowling, shoe rental and a t-shirt. Participants are also asked to raise at least $20 in donations. Prizes will be awarded to the top three people that raise the most amount of money.

To view Jacksonville Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-97-Jacksonville_Zoo_and_Gardens