We are extremely pleased to announce that Safari West is now home to a brand new chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers! The AAZK is a fantastic organization that bridges communities of dedicated keepers across the nation. By establishing a chapter here on property, our entrepreneurial keepers have joined a vast network of like-minded animal caretakers. This membership allows our keepers to share their knowledge and practices with other zoos and conservation facilities and to glean new insights from them in turn. It also allows Safari West to involve ourselves with a whole new spectrum of conservation causes.

To date, the Safari West AAZK chapter has elected a governing body and is currently working with all Safari West departments to establish a core membership. Even as our keepers are getting this chapter off the ground, they’re already hosting their first event. On Thursday, September 22nd, and Sunday, September 25th, Safari West AAZK will be celebrating World Rhino Day here on property.

This year’s celebration of World Rhino Day includes the “Nail it for Rhinos” campaign; a novel approach to raising awareness of the rhino poaching crisis. There are currently five species of rhinos left on this planet and all of them are in trouble. A primary factor causing the decline of these massive and beautiful creatures is rampant poaching. Rhinos are frequently targeted for their unique and captivating horns. Horns which are often thought of as being somehow medicinal in spite of the fact that they are made of little more than keratin. Keratin is the same material that makes up the human hair and finger nail; two things which we can all agree have no medical value whatsoever.

To take part in the “Nail it for Rhinos” campaign, make a reservation to visit Safari West on September 22nd or 25th. Head out to the main lawn in front of the Amani Oasis aviary and paint a fingernail or two for rhinos! Once you’ve completed your manicured masterpiece, upload a picture to social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest) and include the hashtags #nailit4rhinos and #safariwestAAZK to help generate awareness for these magnificent creatures.

Alongside the nail painting and photo posting, we’ll also be selling “rhino paintings”. Not quite paintings of rhinos and not quite paintings by rhinos, these completely unique pieces of art are something in between. Proceeds from these sales as well as any charitable contributions you may feel like making will be sent to Save the Rhino.

Safari West AAZK is eager to hit the ground running with this kickoff event. Come to Safari West and join us as we work to protect the world’s rhinos and take our first steps on this brand-new, exciting AAZK adventure.