Bowling for Rhinos is the signature event of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Over 80 AAZK chapters across the US and Canada host this event each year. BFR began in 1990, and has raised over $8.2 million. 100% of the proceeds go to 3 organizations in Africa and Asia that are focused on community education, habitat conservation, protection, and population management for rhinos and other species. 

The Lincoln Park AAZK Chapter has hosted a Bowling for Rhinos event every year since 1990, and we have raised over $220,000. With this year being the 30th anniversary of BFR, we had high hopes to make this our biggest and best event yet. But being faced with the challenges of a global pandemic has forced us to cancel our usual in-person bowling fundraiser. However, this event is so important to us, and to conservation, that we did not want to miss our opportunity to continue to provide support to the 3 amazing organizations that so desperately need our help. 

So, in lieu of the usual raffles and silent auction that we usually have at our Bowling for Rhinos event, we have decided to hold a virtual auction where anyone can bid on any of the items from the comfort of their own home.

Rhinos and other endangered species need our help more than ever. The 5 rhino species are on the brink of extinction, mainly due to poaching. At the start of the 20th century there were over 500,000 of these gentle giants. Today there are less than 30,000. 95% of the world's rhino population has been lost in the last 40 years. And now, with the whole world in the midst of a pandemic, evidence has come to light that there has been a surge in poaching around the world. Without eco-tourism and with travel of local community members restricted, wildlife is now an easier target for poachers. Sadly, a significant portion of the poaching is attributed to people needing to feed their families as sources of income have dried up due to the pandemic. But rhinos are not the only species affected, nor is poaching the only threat. Elephants, tigers, orangutans, and many other species that share rhino habitat in Africa and Asia are hanging on by a thread due to poaching, habitat destruction, human-wildlife conflict, and other threats. Bowling for Rhinos is our chance to make an impact in ensuring these species' survival.