Rhino Tales: Five Species, Five Stories at Franklin Park Zoo

Don’t miss an engaging day focused on rhinoceros conservation and research at Franklin Park Zoo on Saturday, July 12, 2014. Bill Konstant of the International Rhino Foundation will present a talk at 1:00 p.m. titled Rhino Tales: Five Species, Five Stories inside the zoo’s Meeting Barn. Throughout his talk, he will share the stories of five rhino calves to illustrate the threats and future for each species.

In addition, children of all ages can help protect these incredible creatures by participating in Bowling for Rhinos. For a $1 donation, with all of the proceeds going towards rhino conservation, guests can flaunt their lawn bowling skills for a great cause! 

There are currently five species and 11 subspecies of rhinos surviving on earth. All five species are threatened to some degree, with the Javan, Sumatran and black rhinos all being critically endangered. Learn more during the lively talk and have some fun bowling for rhinos!

Each year the national American Association of Zoo Keepers sponsors a fundraising bowl-a-thon called Bowling for Rhinos. Funds support the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park and Way Kambas in Sumatra. Bowling for Rhinos is a popular event with teams formed within and outside of the zookeeper community for friendly competition and solidarity in raising awareness and contributions for rhino conservation. We hope to bring that energy to Franklin Park Zoo on July 12!

While at the zoo, be sure to also check out the 6D Rhino Rescue Ride. Riders are fully immersed in the action through 3D film, motion simulator seats, and atmospheric special effects for a heart-pounding 6D experience that drives home an important conservation message. Rhino Rescue lasts four minutes and accommodates 12 people. Tickets cost $5.

Bill Konstant is a graduate of Cornell University with a lifelong career in wildlife conservation. Since 1981, he has held positions with the World Wildlife Fund – US, Wildlife Preservation Trust International and Conservation International, and has helped establish endangered species conservation programs at the Philadelphia Zoo and Houston Zoo.