Jacksonville Zoo AAZK Chapter & Bowling for Rhinos Fact Sheet

What is an AAZK Chapter?
An AAZK chapter is a local branch of the national American Association of Zoo Keepers organization.  Our chapter is made up of a group of dedicated keepers committed to helping captive and wild animals.

What is Bowling for Rhinos?
Each year the Jacksonville Zoo AAZK chapter sponsors a fundraising bowl-a-thon called “Bowling for Rhinos” (BFR).  The members involved collect sponsors and bowl three games.  Over 50 chapters nationwide hold BFR events and raise over $200,000 annually. 100% of the money goes to help endangered rhinos and their ecosystems.

Where does the Money go that is raised in the Bowling for Rhinos Event?

• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) in Kenya Africa
• Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia
• Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia

The money sent to these parks not only help to protect the rhinos, but also the entire ecosystems.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (Kenya, Africa) - This sanctuary in Kenya includes 65,000 protected acres with a 2 meter tall electric fence.  This area protects not only Black and White Rhinos, but also protects plant species and other mammals such as elephants, zebras, and cheetahs.

Ujung Kulon National Park (Java, Indonesia) - This park includes 300 square miles of area and is home to some of the rarest and most endangered plants and animals on earth.  The last of the Javan rhinos reside here, with only 60 remaining!

Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Sumatra, Indonesia) - This national park includes 3,568 square km of protected area and is believed to have one of the largest populations of Sumatran rhinos.  This park also protects other endangered animals such as clouded leopards, tigers and Asian Elephants.

How much money has been raised?
Since 1990 the American Association of Zoo Keepers “Bowling for Rhinos” (BFR) fundraiser has raised a total of $3,185,529.00 In 2008 50 local chapters nationwide held BFR events raising over $248,682.00!  All money was raised entirely by volunteer efforts of zoo keepers across the country.