Team up with OKC Zoo’s AAZK chapter and Airport Express to strike a blow for African and Asian rhinoceros, habitat conservation.
Be an ally at the alley as Bowling for Rhinos, presented by Airport Express and supported by Rhino Garage Doors, returns for its 31st year! The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) are inviting Oklahomans to strike a blow for wild rhino conservation on Friday, July 25 at Bowlero in Edmond.
Don’t be a turkey; spare a night for rhino conservation with an in-person bowling event on Friday, July 25 at Bowlero, 3501 S. Boulevard Street, Edmond, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The evening includes pizza, raffles, and a silent auction to support rhino conservation.
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. Thanks to the support of the community, event sponsor partners, and rhino lovers near and far, Oklahoma City’s AAZK chapter has raised more than $410,000 for the cause and remains in the top ten fundraisers among more than 85 AAZK chapters in North America.
“Bowling For Rhinos has been instrumental in the conservation of rhinos across the world due to AAZK's ability to educate, inspire, and provide monetary contributions to preserving these unique animals,” OKC Zoo caretaker and 2025 Bowling for Rhinos coordinator, Taylor Jundt said. “BFR shows how small actions by many people make a huge difference!”
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 actions are taken 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.
Bowling for Rhinos has raised more than $9 million in the last 35 years with all proceeds directly benefiting rhino and habitat conservation.
The OKC Zoo’s Sanctuary Asia is home to three Indian rhinos; Mohan (6), Niki (18), and Shanti (38). Mohan relocated to the OKC Zoo in September 2024 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan® for rhinos on a breeding recommendation. Native to India and Nepal, Indian rhinos, or Rhinoceros unicornis, are also known as greater one-horned rhinos. Their wild population is on the rebound after nearly going extinct in the early 20th century, when numbers fell below 100 individuals. Today, populations have increased to more than 4,000 rhinos in northeastern India and the Terai grasslands of Nepal thanks to strict protection and management from wildlife authorities, according to the World Wildlife Fund. The species remains on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of threatened species as vulnerable. An adult Indian rhino can weigh more than 3,000 pounds. These impressive animals are known for their single horn and tough skin that resembles body armor.
The cost per individual bowler is $45 (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://donate.ozsgiving.org/event/bowling-for-rhinos-tickets/e685291. Can’t make it in person? Wildlife fans are encouraged to make a donation to Bowling for Rhinos through the website.
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s regular daytime hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. Now through Labor Day, ZOOfriends members can enter early at 8:30 a.m. to beat the heat. Avoid the entry lines and purchase advance Zoo admission tickets online at okczoo.org/tickets. 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.
Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, Linktree and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo more with a ZOOfriends membership! As a ZOOfriends member of the Oklahoma City Zoo, enjoy free admission for 12-months, plus 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.