Cumberland, OH—The Wilds will now be serving in another important role as the operations base of a new initiative. The Wilds has teamed up with the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and four other partner research facilities to form the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS)—a model for saving species with science ex situ (which means off site or outside natural habitat).
The AIRS operations will be located at The Wilds and include an operations manager and an intern to collect data. This new initiative was made possible by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
“By bringing together a diverse team of the brightest minds in rhino science, I am confident that we can overcome the challenges to sustaining thriving rhino populations within our nation’s zoos,” said Dr. Terri Roth, Vice President of Conservation and Science and Director of CREW, and AIRS Project Director.
The team, which includes collaborators from Disney’s Animal Kingdom®, George Mason University, the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction & Conservation, and Stellenbosch University, South Africa, will focus on the high priority research needs of rhinos in zoos that were identified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ (AZA) Rhinoceros Research Council in 2019. These priorities are: 1) physical fitness and its relation to health, 2) iron storage in browsing rhinos, 3) reproductive success, and 4) behavioral and environmental factors that maximize rhino well-being.
“These grants are extremely competitive, and the establishment of AIRS is an incredible achievement. We are proud to be a part of this vital coalition as we work toward providing rhinos with the best care and address challenges facing these incredible and ecologically important species in their native ranges,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and Vice President of The Wilds.
“Wildlife conservation is very complex, and each facility offers valued expertise and unique contributions that are needed to help protect the future of rhinos. The Wilds, for example, is the only facility outside of Africa with white rhinos born four and five generations removed from their wild-born ancestors. While that is certainly significant, there is much work to be done, and none of us can claim conservation success simply on our own. Though we have collaborated over the years with one another, AIRS will help us maximize these efforts through increased data sharing and research opportunities. In addition to helping rhinos, we hope that the knowledge we gain can also lead to developing and applying scientific models that benefit other species at risk in their native ranges,” said Dan Beetem, director of Animal Management at The Wilds.
AIRS recognizes that the four research priorities that it will address are inter-related and should not be studied in isolation. Therefore, over three years, the scientists will conduct research within each pillar on overlapping subjects and examine the effect across all pillars. Data collected from all studies will be compiled in a centralized database accessible to all AIRS members.
Ultimately, AIRS will provide affordable and feasible management recommendations to veterinarians and animal care staff at the 74 AZA-accredited facilities caring for rhinos. Managed rhino populations are becoming increasingly important due to the tremendous illegal poaching pressures on rhinos in their native ranges. Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and as a status symbol of wealth and success in some Asian cultures.
“Accredited zoos are committed to saving wildlife from extinction while providing the highest standard of animal care. AIRS will set a precedent for saving species in zoos with science, a model with value for all zoo species at risk in the wild,” said Roth.
Please visit our website and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.
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About The Wilds
The Wilds, one of the largest conservation centers in North America, is home to rare and endangered animals from around the world along with hundreds of indigenous species. The mission of The Wilds, a nonprofit organization managed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. The Wilds is located at 14000 International Road in Cumberland, Ohio, about 90 minutes east of Columbus. Normal hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day from May through September, and on Saturdays and Sundays in October. For more information, visit TheWilds.org.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. Our vision is a nation where museums and libraries work together to transform the lives of individuals and communities. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter).
