Bowling for Rhinos 2026

This auction features one item, an amazing six-night South African safari for 2 people. The proceeds from this auction will be added to our total amount raised for our 2026 Bowling for Rhinos event.

If you cannot participate in this auction, we hope you will still consider supporting our Bowling for Rhinos event by purchasing tickets to attend on August 27, becoming an event sponsor, or making a donation. You can find all the information here.

The Lincoln Park AAZK Chapter has had an abundance of amazing supporters over the years, and that is one of the reasons we were the #1fundraising chapter for Bowling for Rhinos in 2025, raising over $22,000. We hope to continue that trend with this year's event.

Bowling for Rhinos is an annual fundraiser hosted by over 80 chapters of the national organization the American Association of Zoo Keepers. BFR is the signature event for AAZK, and over $9.5 million has been raised since its inception in 1990. 100% of the proceeds go to support programs in Africa and Asia focused on community education, protection, population management, and habitat conservation for rhinos and other species. The funds raised go to three conservation organizations: the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, International Rhino Foundation, and Action for Cheetahs in Kenya.

Rhinos and other endangered species need our help now 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, and today there are less than 30,000. 95% of the world’s rhino population has been lost in the last 40 years. Over 10,000 rhinos have been poached in Africa in the last decade; it is estimated that one rhino is killed every 16 hours. But rhinos are not the only species in danger, 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.

Lincoln Park AAZK is a Chicago area chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Our chapter was chartered in 1969, making us one of the oldest.

Lincoln Park AAZK Mission Statement: Dedicated to raising awareness for conservation and cultivating an appreciation for the animal care profession.

Lincoln Park AAZK is committed to professional development in the animal care field as well as supporting worthwhile conservation efforts. Our chapter hosts several annual fundraisers which help us foster the professional growth of our members by assisting with the costs to send them to conferences, classes and workshops pertaining to the animal care field. We also hold several events throughout the year to generate money and awareness for conservation. By supporting both local and global organizations, Lincoln Park AAZK is committed to protecting endangered habitats as well as the wild counterparts of the animals in our care.