Rhino Exhibit At Woodland Park Zoo Opens May 5

SEATTLE, WA - From Woodland Park Zoo: Join Woodland Park Zoo in celebrating rhinos, turtles and cranes at the opening of Assam Rhino Reserve on May 5. And, meet the star attractions in the new special exhibition: rhinos Taj and Glenn.

Assam Rhino Reserve will showcase greater one-horned rhinos, Asian brown tortoises and demoiselle cranes. Rhinos are iconic symbols of the wildlife trafficking crisis. The exhibit will highlight the amazing adaptations of these three species and bring to life the impact of poaching, the illegal wildlife trade and the turtle extinction crisis. Trafficking issues happening right here in Puget Sound also will be addressed such as black bear, elk, sturgeon and even the little-known sea cucumber.

Rhinos Taj and Glenn, both males, are newcomers to the zoo and mark the first time rhinoceros will live at Woodland Park Zoo in its 118-year history. Pronounced like Taj Mahal, Taj means “crown” or “jewel” in Hindi. He was born Nov. 10, 2016 at San Diego Zoo Safari Park and is the 70th greater one-horned rhino born at the Safari Park since 1972, making the Park the foremost breeding facility in the world for this rhino species. Glenn was born a day apart from Taj on Nov. 11, 2016 at The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in Cumberland, Ohio and operated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He was named in honor of the late astronaut and Senator John Glenn, who was a dear friend of the Ohio conservation organization.

Zoo guests will see many natural behaviors of this water-loving species including wallowing in mud, grazing on land, immersing in a shallow pool and nibbling on aquatic plants along the edge of the pool. For an additional fee, up-close encounters with the rhinos will be offered throughout the summer.

Grand opening day activities will include rhino keeper talks, free rhino stickers, a new costumed rhino mascot, raptor flight programs, and a variety of animal care keeper talks and activities throughout the zoo and in Zoomazium.

WHEN: Assam Rhino Reserve opens Saturday, May 5, 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

COST: Assam Rhino Reserve and opening day activities are free with zoo admission or membership. Admission April 1–September 30: Adult (13-64) $20.95; Child (3-12) $12.95; Toddler (0-2) Free. Active, retired, and veteran U.S. military and their families, seniors and people with physical disabilities receive an admission discount. Zoo members receive free zoo admission year round. Parking: $6 plus applicable state and local taxes.

INFO: Follow #RhinoLookout for information on how to support rhino care at the zoo and fund efforts to protect and defend rhino habitat from poachers. Stay tuned for exciting updates on the zoo’s web at www.zoo.org and Facebook.

Assam Rhino Reserve was made possible by private donations of all sizes from generous individuals, families, corporations and foundations, as well as funding from the Seattle Park District. Additionally, operational funds for rhino care, conservation, and accessibility will be raised on an ongoing basis, including through a spring 2018 multi-channel campaign and at the zoo’s annual Jungle Party fundraising event on July 13, 2018.

Zoo hours: 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily through April 30; 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily May 1 through September 30.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the zoo for zoo guests, made possible through products donated by Cisco.

Mobile app: Download the free Woodland Park Zoo mobile app for iPhone, iPad or Android from your app store. Use it to track your location on zoo grounds with GPS, discover more about animals and daily zoo activities, and share the highlights of your visit with friends.

Quarters for Conservation: A portion of your zoo admission and membership is dedicated to funding conservation programs in the wild. Cast your vote for your favorite conservation project at the Quarters for Conservation kiosks located at each entrance.

Gifts/Food: Explore the ZooStores for unique gifts and souvenirs and the Rain Forest Food Pavilion to quench your thirst and appetite.

For more information or to become a zoo member, visit www.zoo.org or call 206.548.2500.

Founded in 1899, Woodland Park Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and certified by the rigorous American Humane Conservation program. The Humane Certified™ seal of approval is another important validation of the zoo’s long-standing tradition of meeting the highest standards in animal welfare. Woodland Park Zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats through more than 35 field projects in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Each year, the zoo engages more than a million visitors of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and walks of life in extraordinary experiences with animals, inspiring them to make conservation a priority in their lives and a difference in our planet’s future ecological health and sustainability. Visit www.zoo.org and follow the zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Photo courtesy of Woodland Park Zoo