Each year our Chapter hosts a fundraising bowlathon called Bowling for Rhinos (BFR). Bowling for Rhinos was initiated to help save the endangered Black rhinoceros of Africa, the symbol for our national organization. Today BFR not only saves rhinos but entire ecosystems.

One hundred percent of the money we raise supports three wildlife sanctuaries. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, Africa is home to Black and White rhinos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and more. In 1994, AAZK expanded its efforts to include Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. Java is home to the remaining 50 Javan rhinos and to one eighth of the world's mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, and plant species yet occupies only one percent of the earth's land surface. Of the five species of rhinos left, the most critically endangered is the Sumatran rhino, so in 1997 keepers again expanded their efforts to include a third park, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park in Sumatra, home not only of the Sumatran rhino but also the highly endangered Sumatran tiger and the Malayan sun bear. With the support of these three parks we are now helping to conserve rhinos and their ecosystems worldwide!

Who are we?

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a nonprofit organization made up of animal care professionals and related persons dedicated to conservation, education, and professional animal care in zoos and aquariums. The Minnesota Zoo Chapter of AAZK was chartered in January of 1994.

What is our AAZK Chapter's mission?

• To provide a resource and forum for continuing education of the Minnesota Zoo's animal care professionals
• To support the Zoo's animal care staff in their roles as animal caretakers, researchers, public educators, and conservationists
• To provide monetary and material support for conservation and educational programs
• To assist the Minnesota Zoo in advancing its mission of "connecting people, animals, and the natural world"

Chapter Activities:

AAZK Members' Nights: The members of our AAZK Chapter volunteer their time to offer the Minnesota Zoo Members unique opportunities to go behind-the-scenes at the Zoo to see how zookeepers care for the animals, participate in fun enrichment activities, and learn more about conservation. AAZK has offered a variety of themed evening events like Zoolympics, Zoo Babies, Animal Enrichment Nights, and small group events highlighting individual species at the Zoo. Because our members volunteer their time, all of the proceeds benefit the Minnesota Zoo's conservation efforts.

Discover Scuba Diving!

Curious about exploring the underwater world of diving but aren’t sure about the crazy breathing contraption and all that gear? Here’s your chance to try SCUBA equipment in a safe and easy introduction to the sport.

Fall Art Fair:

Each October, the AAZK Chapter holds a nine-day art fair at the Minnesota Zoo, featuring the artwork, photography, and crafts of Zoo staff. We also have a silent auction with unique items like clay molds of paw prints of zoo animals like tigers, wolves, and more. The AAZK Fall Art Fair is a great place to get some unique holiday gifts while supporting our efforts in conservation and education.

For more information about AAZK or any of our events please email us at:
Mnaazk@mail.mnzoo.state.mn.us

Related Links:

http://www.aazk.org/aazknew/
http://www.bfr.org
http://www.mvhspets.org