October is a great month to learn more about the Zoo’s work in Namibia to save critically endangered black rhinos.  Jeff Muntifering (Minnesota Zoo Conservation Biologist) will be returning from Namibia to share updates from the field and participate in a fun fundraiser for rhinos.

On Thursday, October 13^th, the Minnesota Zoo chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) will wrap up its Heroes for Horns campaign with a family-friendly event at Brunswick Zone XL in Lakeville, MN starting at 5:30 pm.  Participants will enjoy bowling, arcade games and laser tag, as well as meet Jeff Muntifering.  Proceeds from the event support the Zoo’s work to save black rhinos!

Then on Friday, October 14^th, join us at the Minnesota Zoo for Adult Night Out at the Zoo, followed by a speaker series presentation by Jeff Muntifering, entitled, “Stories from the Field: How the Minnesota Zoo and Local People are Saving Rhino in Namibia”.

More about the Zoo’s work to save black rhinos:
Africa’s majestic rhinos are under siege from poachers that kill, on average, 3 rhinos per day to feed the black market demand for rhino horn. Namibia supports over one-third of the world’s critically endangered black rhinos, including the last truly wild population that survives outside of protected areas in the rugged northwestern Kunene Region.  It is here that the Minnesota Zoo, Save the Rhino Trust, and other partners work with local communities to save the desert black rhino.  Zoo Conservation Biologist, Jeff Muntifering, provides scientific leadership and skills training to these rhino conservation efforts, and helps implement the Rhino Ranger Program.  Initiated in 2011, this program is training, equipping, and motivating a new generation of local rhino stewards, or “Rhino Rangers”, that are improving rhino security while increasing the value that communities place on keeping rhino alive. The Minnesota Zoo is proud to be a partner on this and other successful long-term efforts in Namibia to save black rhinos.