NC Zoo wins grant to help black rhinos in Africa

The zoo, based in Asheboro, announced Thursday that it has won a $50,000 grant to support conservation activities that will help the black rhino populations of Namibia in southwest Africa. The grant comes form the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Saving Animals From Extinction program, according to a zoo press release. The project also will help white rhinos and other wildlife in the area.

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, rhino conservation in the region is in danger of coming to an almost complete halt,” said Dr. Rich Bergl, the zoo’s director of conservation, education and research, in a press release. “The vast majority of conservation work there is supported by revenue generated by tourism. Namibia supports over one-third of the world's critically endangered black rhinos and contains the single largest population of black rhinos in the world in Etosha National Park."

Part of the zoo's efforts includes SMART, an anti-poaching software that it helped to develop. According to the zoo, SMART, which stands for spatial monitoring and reporting tool, allows rangers on patrol to collect essential conservation data on rugged smartphones. Data is analyzed back at headquarters to assess threats to rhinos and other wildlife, the zoo says. The grant will also provide logistical support to anti-poaching patrols, such as vehicle fuel and repair, and help to maintain the infrastructure necessary to promote rhino conservation, such as improved roads, water holes, and fencing, according to the zoo.

“Despite the extraordinary challenges of the past year, AZA members have continued their dedication to saving animals from extinction, which further demonstrates that conservation is in the DNA of modern, accredited zoos and aquariums,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the AZA, in the press release.

Some facts about wild black rhinos, according to the zoo: "Wild black rhino populations are estimated at only 5,600 individuals. The historical range of the black rhino included most of southern and eastern Africa until they were driven to near extinction. Poaching of their horns to supply the illegal international rhino horn trade remains the main threat to the species. In Namibia, they have received good protection from government agencies and have recovered somewhat in recent years."