Who are we?
Portland AAZK is the Oregon Zoo chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. AAZK is a nonprofit volunteer organization made up of professional zoo keepers and other interested persons, dedicated to professional animal care, advancing animal welfare and conservation. AAZK works to promote the development of animal care professionals, and preserve our natural resources and animal life by supporting conservation projects both locally and globally. Entry fees, fees to vote and donations to the Portland AAZK photo contest are tax deductible.
What is Bowling for Rhinos?
Every year, since 1990. AAZK chapters across North America, host "Bowling for Rhinos" (BFR) fundraisers. 28 years ago, all BFR events involved collecting pledges for a "bowl-a-thon". Today, chapters have gotten creative and diversified our fundraising efforts. 100% of proceeds from BFR events support the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya, the Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia, and the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park and Way Kambas in Sumatra. These sanctuaries preserve the natural ecosystems of their respective areas. This includes protection for hundreds of species including elephants, sun bears, cheetah, orangutan and of course rhinos! Learn more at
https://aazk.org/bowling-for-rhinos/Why care about rhinos?
There are five species of rhinos still in existence today including, the Sumatran, Javan, greater one-horned, black, and white rhinos. Unfortunately, all are endangered. Once numerous in Africa, black rhinos currently exist only in fragmented populations totaling 5,400 individuals or fewer. The Sumatran species consists of only about 80 individuals, and the Javan species, less than 60. The greatest threat to these animals is us. Habitat loss and poaching have been decimating rhino populations for decades. Every year, hundreds of rhinos are killed for their horns to be sold and used in medicines or for other purposes. Land development, in areas where these animals live, divides them into small, isolated populations that can't reconnect to breed. Parks and sanctuaries supported by AAZK and Bowling for Rhinos provide crucial refuge from habitat loss and poaching. Rhinos may be in a crisis, but it's not too late! By taking action today, we can help save these magnificent animals from extinction. Thank you for helping us save rhinos around the world!
Bowling for Rhinos started 29 years ago in 1990.
More than 85 chapters of the American Association of Zoo Keepers, from across the United States and Canada have supported rhino conservation through participation in "Bowling for Rhinos".
As of 2018, The "Top 10" chapters for total money raised.
- Los Angeles AAZK Chapter – $450,057.86
- Oklahoma City AAZK Chapter – $354,289.28
- Portland AAZK Chapter – $337,217.13
Portland AAZK is one of only a few chapters that have participated every every year since 1990. - San Diego AAZK Chapter – $300,814.47
- Dallas AAZK Chapter – $280,624.96
- Utah AAZK Chapter – $275,227.72
- Detroit AAZK Chapter $228,966.33
- Lincoln Park Chapter $204,391.24
- Indianapolis AAZK Chapter $190,918.70
- Puget Sound AAZK Chapter $184,177.45