American Association of Zoo Keepers(AAZK)

AAZK's purpose is to foster a professional attitude in animal keepers by encouraging them to become active members of the professional teams at today's zoos and aquariums. AAZK supports the promotion and implementation of zoo keeper education and strives to make the general public aware of our concern for all valid and deserving conservation projects and the need for the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.

Our mission as members of the Utah Chapter of AAZK is to demonstrate leadership in the animal care profession. We are dedicated to promoting public awareness, advancing animal care, enhancing professional development and contributing to local and global conservation through fundraising and stewardship. Our goal is to inspire and motivate through our roles as animal caregivers, educators and conservationists.  

Bowling For Rhinos Wrap-Up

Beginning as a small scale conservation event in 1990, Bowling for Rhinos (BFR) has grown exponentially and is now a huge fundraiser all across North America. BFR is organized by zoo keepers and volunteers and sponsored by generous donors. Our Utah Chapter American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) has raised over $123,000, which has contributed to the national total of nearly 4 million dollars. 100% of all donations are distributed for rhino conservation around the world. The Utah Chapter AAZK has been involved with this global conservation effort to save rhinos since 1992. Poaching has increased significantly in the past year due to the economy and political climate, so we need your help now more than ever!

In Kenya, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy uses these funds to help protect both Black and White Rhinos as well as other endangered wildlife in East Africa In Indonesia, our funds support the Ujung Kulon, Bukit Barisan Seletan and
Way Kambas National Parks. Ujung Kulon is home to the last remaining Javan rhinos, a population that numbers less than 50 animals. Way Kambas and Bukit Barisan Seletan are both home to the Sumatran Rhino as well as other critically endangered species of wildlife. All three parks utilize donations for monitoring equipment, security and community outreach and education.

This year our event was held on Friday June 24.  It was a resounding success!  We had almost 100 bowlers and raised $6000 for rhino conservation!  Thanks for participating everyone, and see you in 2012!

Check back soon for more information about BFR 2012!

Wild Stampede- 5K Run and Walk for Wildlife

The Utah Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK), in partnership with Utah’s Hogle Zoo and Sports Am L.L.C., is proud to host our third annual “Wild Stampede- 5K Run and Walk for Wildlife” on Saturday September 29th, 2012. 

AAZK (AAZK) is an organization of zoo keepers and volunteers dedicated to professional development and conservation projects. 
All proceeds from the event will directly benefit wildlife conservation.

We hope you will join us at Utah’s Hogle Zoo where the fun course begins at the Zoo, wraps up around Wasatch Boulevard and returns back to the Zoo. After the run you can enjoy food, music and awards in the Zoo’s Events Pavilion.

Registration to run or walk the course can be done online at www.active.com. Please visit our website for more information and links www.utahaazk.org. If you have any questions feel free to contact us by e-mail utahaazk@gmail.com.

Check-in 7 AM, Run starts 8 AM
$25 early registration
$30 after Sept 25th