International Rhino Foundation
 2011
was a very, very challenging year for rhinoceros conservation, particularly
in southern Africa. Poaching continues to be the biggest challenge
with the horns taken ending up in Southeast Asian medicinal markets. But all
is not gloom and doom as some black rhino and white rhino populations are on
the rise in other parts of Africa. The Zoo’s annual support of the
International Rhino Foundation
(IRF) goes directly to vital anti-poaching teams to help ensure continued
population growth. A new project in 2011 helped bolster support of teams in
Zimbabwe and South Africa through provision of basic equipment such as
binoculars and fingerprint kits (crucial to identifying and prosecuting
poachers). Photo by Gabi Moore
The Indianapolis Zoo also supports rhino conservation through the
annual Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser presented by the local chapter of
the American Association of Zookeepers each April.
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