Get involved with World Rhino Day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo this weekend from 20 – 22 September and help celebrate and raise awareness for Rhinos. All of the world’s Rhino species are under threat; and yet we find that a large number of our Zoo visitors do not know there are actually five rhino species, found in two continents - Africa and Asia – did you? World Rhino Day was started in 2010 by WWF-South Africa, and five years later has gained in momentum with global activities and fundraisers, designed to help raise awareness of all rhino species, and their desperate plight.  A current horn poaching crisis in Africa, plus deforestation in Asia, have both contributed to an alarming decline in all rhino numbers.

Current population estimates are: - White Rhinoceros – approx. 20,000 - Black Rhinoceros – approx. 5,000 - Greater One-horned Rhinoceros – approx. 3,000 - Sumatran Rhinoceros – 100 - Javan Rhinoceros – approx. 40 (Yes 40, that’s not a typo…)

By visiting Taronga Western Plains Zoo over the weekend you can help that little bit more. - Follow our ‘Rhino Trail’ and discover more about the world’s rhinos and what is being done to help them. - Rhino face painting will be available for a gold coin donation - Lucky guests of our Wild Africa Encounter, Billabong Camp or Zoofari Lodge experiences will get the chance to see some of our resident rhinos up close, and learn more about their conservation. - Plus visitors have the chance to WIN a Wild Africa Encounter for 4 people!

We will also be raising vital funds for our conservation partner, the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). Donations raised will assist with the IRF’s work in Africa and Asia, such as breeding programs and veterinary care and research in sanctuaries, and operating anti-poaching units which patrol parks to protect rhinos against poachers. 

By Rhino Keeper, Nerida Taylor