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Prehistoric-looking, wide-bodied (topping out at nearly 8,000 pounds) and with skin draped like armor, the rhino is one of nature's most out there animal designs. But many people will never get a chance to see this majestic beast, not even in a zoo, because it is disappearing. In 2006, the West African black rhino was declared extinct. The East African species, which once roamed several countries, is now found only in Tanzania. Connecticuts Beardsley Zoo (which does not have a rhino) invites families to help save the rhino by participating in Bowl for Rhinos from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 17. Proceeds benefit Kenya's Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which saves black and white rhinos.
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's story underscores the enormous impact one family has had on shoring up the rhino's fragile future. The Craig family purchased its 62,000 acres in Kenya in 1922, as a cattle ranch. From the outset, patriarch David Craig decreed that wildlife would always "be respected" on his land. When shrinking habitats and poachers killing black rhino reached crisis proportions, the ranch was turned into the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. Ten years later, in 1995, it became the non-profit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Now, 10 percent of Kenya's black rhino live at Lewa, as do 14 percent of the white rhino and the largest existing population of Grevy's zebra. The Conservancy's website reports, "With a proven track record, our model of community-based conservation development is being spearheaded across northern Kenya, and emulated by other East African conservation organizations."
The Zoo's chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) organized Bowling for Rhinos, which features outdoor games, Wii bowling and more. It takes place at the Zoo's Professor Beardsleys Research Station. Admission is $9-$11.
The AAZK is a non-profit group that "strives to make the general public aware of our concern for all deserving conservation projects and the need for the preservation of our natural resources and the species that depend on those resources." Go ahead, bowl a strike or two and pat yourself on the back for helping these admired and beloved odd-toed ungulates. For more information, visit the Beardsley Zoo's website.
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