Rhinos are some of the most endangered animals on earth. Black Rhino numbers in the wild reduced from 65,000 in 1970 to just 2,300 in 1992. If this continues it won’t be long before some species are extinct, so we need to do something about it. Rhinos have been on earth for 50 million years, but now three out of the five species are critically endangered. Humans have caused this desperate decline in numbers through poaching and habitat loss and, because of their decline, other species such as birds, reptiles, fish, insects and plants have also suffered.
We have our very own Black Rhinos in Chester Zoo named Sammy, Magadi, Ema Elsa, Bashira, Kitani, Asani, Manyara, Rosie and Malindi. This event is helping support their relatives by fundraising for the Black Rhino Field Conservation Programme in Africa managed by Chester Zoo.
After the event, the proceeds from the Gala Auction held at the end of September 2010 will be donated to the chosen causes. 75% of the net auction proceeds will be donated to our chosen charities - the Black Rhino Field Conservation Programme in Africa carried out by Chester Zoo, and at least one other charity.