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Since 1996, one of our newest conservation partners--the American
Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), through their novel program
called "Bowling for Rhinos", has raised over $136,000.
These funds have purchased desperately needed field equipment
and patrol boats for park rangers. The AAZK also funds on-going
field operations of eight "Rhino Patrol Units" (RPU)
in Ujung Kulon National Park. These units are the only proven
method to effectively protect these tropical forest rhinos. This
year the AAZK has also committed to support the costs of a system
of coastal patrol units to discourage poachers from entering the
park along its unguarded coastline. As a result of these combined
efforts there is now a photo inventory of over 75 Javan rhinos
comprised of eight male and four females individually recognized
that is growing larger every day, the RPUs are operational and
report that no rhino poachers have been encountered (several song
bird poachers were arrested), and plans are underway to launch
the coastal patrol units soon. Today the park is much more secure
than it was 10 years ago. Congratulations to the AAZK and the
Minnesota Zoo staff who have "Bowled for Rhinos", your
support of this remote park in Indonesia has real conservation
meaning.
To find out more about these conservation projects, the support
of the Bowling For Rhinos program and how you might contribute,
please visit this web site:
http://www.aazk.org/aazknew/
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