Shine those rented shoes and spare an evening for a great cause as Bowling for Rhinos returns! Once again, the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) and sponsors Western Door & Plywood Inc., Blue Rhino Restoration, and Curbside Apparel are inviting Oklahomans to score a win for wild rhino conservation at the annual Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser at Bowlero in Edmond.

Let the good times roll during this in-person bowling event on Friday, July 19 at Bowlero, 3501 S. Boulevard Street., Edmond, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Since 1995, the OKC Zoo’s AAZK chapter has hosted this beloved bowl-a-thon, inspiring Oklahomans to protect rhinos and their habitats by hitting the lanes. Since its inception, Oklahoma City’s AAZK chapter has raised more than $373,000 for the cause and remains in the top ten fundraisers among more than 85 AAZK chapters in North America.

Bowling for Rhinos is perfect for wildlife fans of all ages. Families, teams, and individuals are welcome to participate. Coming together for the common goal of rhino conservation, bowlers across the continent are taking the unique opportunity to help protect and secure habitats for rhinos and other wildlife in Asia and Africa. This iconic species has inhabited our planet for more than 50 million years, but the future of rhinos is uncertain unless conservation efforts are made to protect them. All five rhino species–Black, Indian, Javan, Sumatran and White–are endangered making fundraising and awareness efforts such as Bowling for Rhinos critical.

Since 1990, Bowling for Rhinos has raised more than $9 million with all proceeds directly benefiting rhino and habitat conservation.

The OKC Zoo is home to two female Indian rhinos; Shanti, 36, and Niki, 16, who reside at Sanctuary Asia. Native to India and Nepal, Indian rhinos, also known as greater one-horned rhinos, can weigh more than 3,000 pounds. These impressive animals are known for their single horn and tough skin that resembles body armor. 

The fee per individual bowler is $40 (plus fee) which includes two games of bowling, shoe rental, a T-shirt, and pizza. There is also a spectator ticket available for $25/person (plus fee) that includes a T-shirt and pizza. Participants will also enjoy opportunities to win raffle prizes. For more information or to purchase event tickets, go to https://e.givesmart.com/events/Cev/. Can’t make it in person? Wildlife fans are encouraged to make a donation to Bowling for Rhinos through the website.

Spare a night to support Bowling for Rhinos and help protect rhino populations around the world!

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, the Zoo is open daily at 8:30 a.m. for ZOOfriends with current memberships. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, and Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. Zoo admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

Membership has its perks! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission all year-long, plus many additional benefits and discounts. You will also be supporting the Zoo’s animal family, education programming and conservation initiatives both locally and globally. Join or renew today at www.okczoo.org/membership

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. To learn more about Zoo happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.