The Kansas City Zoo is home to the black rhinoceros, like Zuri & Zumi, which is known for its prehensile upper lip. Critically endangered, this species continues to be under the threat of poachers who believe that rhino horns contain medicinal properties. These horns, however, are made of the same material in your skin and fingernails – keratin! As of 2022, there are an estimated 6,195 black rhinos in the wild, with the eastern black rhino being the rarest subspecies, with only 800–1,000 remaining. Rhinos are one of the oldest groups of mammals, virtually living fossils. They play an important role in their habitats, and in countries like Namibia, rhinos are an important source of income from ecotourism. This is especially true for local communities in the arid northwestern parts of the country, which are home to Africa’s largest free-roaming black rhino population. Since black rhinos need large territories to survive, their protection benefits many other species, including elephants.
We envision a world in which the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium contributes significantly to preserving the diversity of species and conserving resources on Earth while influencing others to do the same. Through conservation programs and education, we invest in programs and projects that are making a difference, we hope to reverse the spread of misinformation and protect these and other magnificent animals. Your donation helps us to continue to fund these programs allowing these animals to continue to thrive in the wild by connecting individuals to the natural world.
