Support Rhinos in the Wild!

The Portland Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), in association with The Rhino Trust, is accepting donations in support of the Tsavo National Park's rhinoceros conservation program in Kenya.

Prior to the rhino poaching crisis during the 1970's and 80's, the Tsavo National Park supported a black rhino population of approximately 6,000 animals. By 1995, only three or four rhinos were known to inhabit the Park before conservation measures were adopted.

Thanks to the diligence of a team of ten men assigned by the Kenyan Wildlife Service to rhino surveillance and anti-poaching patrols in this large unfenced area, the rhino population is slowly recovering. Its current population is 40 black rhinos; officials would like to see the population grow to at least 100 animals. Key to the resurgence of the rhino is the team of rangers responsible for their protection.

Tsavo East rangers are members of tribes that traditionally have lived among wildlife and are very good game trackers. Unfortunately, the Kenyan Wildlife Service lack the resources to adequately support the rhino program. They provide the rangers with little more than uniforms and weapons. Rangers must leave their families behind to live at Tsavo when on duty for periods of up to six weeks at a time. They currently live in tents, all of which are in bad condition. Their working conditions barely enable them to protect the wildlife entrusted to their care. They often patrol without access to a good pair of binoculars or adequate foot wear. AAZK urgently seeks funding for "the man in the field" who is doing the actual conservation work.

100% of all funds received through this web site will be sent, via the private non-profit Portland Chapter of AAZK to the Tsavo East Rhino Conservation Program (TERCP) for support of the ranger program. All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent provided by law.

For additional information, contact AAZK at or The Rhino Trust at