As part of an effort to expand its role in cooperative studies of endangered species, the Abilene Zoo plans to add more animals to its exhibits, and produce educational materials that will be used by children in South America.
Two black rhinos will arrive in late January, followed by two Maned wolves from South America in the summer.
The Abilene Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which promotes survival of selected wildlife species through cooperative breeding and conservation programs called Species Survival Plans (SSPs). The endangered black rhinos scattered throughout Africa have dwindled in numbers, from an estimated 65,000 in 1970 to 2,300 in 1993. Today, about 4,000 are in the wild, with poaching the greatest threat to their survival.
The two rhinos, ages 3 and 7, are coming to Abilene from the Fort Worth Zoo and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose. They will reside in the space that was home to elephants.
