Check Out How Disney’s Animal Experts Are Working Hard to Protect Rhino Population
We’ve got a heartwarming story for you of how Disney is teaming with other organizations to save the rhino population
They’ve joined forces with The Wilds, George Mason University, the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, The Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the Animal TB Research Group from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Together the group hopes to work collectively to ensure the success and sustainment of thriving rhino populations at zoos and other facilities.
As Disney’s Animal Care Team tells us, rhino populations continue to decline due to illegal poaching. Despite efforts, there are instances of rhinos being killed in the wild for their horns which are seen as status symbols and are also used in some forms of traditional medicine.
With the future of wild rhinos in jeopardy, the work that zoos and other facilities do is incredibly important for the survival of the species.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, guests have the unique opportunity to learn more about endangered species and the dangers they face in the wild. You can even get the opportunity to see many of these incredible animals up close on Kilimanjaro Safaris.
In addition, as part of the Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, zoos can ensure that rhinos in captivity are bred in a responsible manner.
At the moment, Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to 12 southern white rhinos that have been born at Animal Kingdom.
This includes a baby calf born just this month. Disney is also expecting another new arrival later this year.
As Disney joins forces with the groups above, there are four distinct areas of research and focus. These are as follows:
- Physical fitness and its role in the overall health of rhinos.
- Iron storage in browsing rhinos – essentially, ensuring they have the right amounts of key nutrients including iron.
- Reproductive success, ensuring healthy populations.
- How behavior and environmental factors may help the well-being of rhinos.
By researching these areas, the conglomerate hopes that they can develop a holistic view what is needed to provide the best care to rhinos in accredited facilities. This is a three year project before the research findings are published.
This is a story that we will continue to follow closely. Readers are encouraged to keep checking back with us for further news and updates!
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