The Niabi Zoo is planning to welcome two, very large new residents sometime next summer. So it's started a fundraising campaign to bring Southern White Rhinos to the zoo.
Zoo Director Lee Jackson says rhinos have been part of their master plan for a long time.
"Because they are large, charismatic mega-vertebrates - very iconic - and an important part of the environment that they're from."
Because when you think of Africa, you probably think of the rhino, and the continent's other famous animals, including elephants and leopards.The goal is to raise 100,000 dollars to pay for modifications of the current camel and zebra exhibits.
"We have to move our camels to the current zebra exhibit to make room for the rhinos. Rhinos as you can imagine are very large, powerful animals so we have to reinforce everything to make it safe for them and for our staff and guests."
Jackson says the rhinos would also be a key part of the education and conservation efforts at Niabi, because the Southern White Rhino is one of the few conservation success stories - in the early 1900's there were fewer than 50 still alive, while today their world population has reached about 18,000.
Donations can be made at the Niabi Zoo website niabizoo.com.
