Bowling for Rhinos

The AAZK Bowling for Rhinos Program connects dedicated individuals with conservation organizations working directly with rhino and their habitats. We provide an avenue for raising funds and awareness to support in situ programs focused on education, protection, population management, and habitat conservation.

VISION: The AAZK Bowling for Rhinos Program will unite all animal care professionals in raising awareness and funds for the conservation of rhino and their habitats.

AAZK realized that the animal keepers of the world were extremely conservation oriented and wanted to help save rhinos and their habitats, yet did not have the financial resources themselves to make any significant impact. That’s when the idea came to start a national bowl-a-thon called Bowling For Rhinos.

These fundraisers are organized by volunteers, who donate their time and organizational skills to help raise money to send directly to the places in need. Since all the people involved are volunteers, 100% of all event proceeds and online donations are sent directly to these in situ rhino conservation areas.

Total BFR Funds Raised from 1990 to Date: $8,736,6010.37

Lewa serves as a safe refuge for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as the elephant, lion, giraffe, wild dog and other iconic wildlife species in Kenya. The Conservancy is also home to more than 400 species of birds.

Lewa envisions a future where people across Kenya value, protect and benefit from wildlife. This future depends on communities being able to derive their day-to-day livelihoods in ways that are compatible with thriving wildlife habitat. As a result, Lewa invests heavily in the livelihoods of its neighbours through programmes in education, healthcare, water, micro-enterprise, youth empowerment and more.

Lewa has combined the techniques of world-class anti-poaching operations, including cutting edge monitoring technology, with the engagement of the surrounding communities as critical partners in conservation.

Lewa and Borana also house nine tourism properties that offer an unparalleled, intimate, conservation-focused safari experience.

MISSION: To ensure the survival of rhinos through strategic partnerships, targeted protection, and scientifically sound interventions.

CORE VALUESZ: Throughout its 30-year history, the International Rhino Foundation has supported and managed rhino conservation projects in Africa and Asia. Our core values — integrity, collaboration, adaptability, sound decision-making and  commitment — are at the heart of everything we do.

IRF’s current major programs include: 1) Indonesia:  Rhino Protection Units, the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, and the Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area; 2) India: Indian Rhino Vision 2020; 3) Zimbabwe: Lowveld Rhino Conservation Program; and 4) Southern Africa:  Operation Stop Poaching Now. IRF also supports scientific research, providing grants for work that is directly applicable to management, propagation, and conservation of rhino species in nature and in breeding centers.

More than 1,000 individual “members”, along with zoos, private foundations, corporations and government agencies comprise IRF’s financial supporters. The International Rhino Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors who generously contribute time and financial resources to its efforts. IRF maintains a very small staff – this lean structure allows more than 80% of its funds to go directly to its field programs in Africa and Asia. The IRF Program Office is based in Strasburg, VA (USA); the IRF Business Office is in Fort Worth, TX (USA).