Visitors can come face-to-face with three white rhinos that recently arrived at the zoo’s new state-of-the-art rhino facility after taking a one-way trip from South Africa. 

In South Africa alone, poachers kill three or more rhinos per day in order to meet the black-market demand for rhino horn, which is believed to be an aphrodisiac in some Asian cultures. Even in light of their fading population, poachers continuously break into rhino orphanages, sanctuaries and are even starting to target zoos in order to slaughter these animals for their ivory, which is made of nothing more than keratin—

the same protein that makes up your hair and nails. 

“It’s my hope that through education and awareness, we can work together in the fight for the rhino’s survival—to guarantee a viable genetic population and ensure that no more rhino species go extinct. If the persecution of this species continues, we will likely see the rhino go extinct within our lifetime,” says Mickey Ollson, director & founder of Wildlife World.

Other African species new to the zoo include hamadryas baboons, striped hyenas, a serval cat, wreathed hornbills, Nile lechwe and many more rare and endangered African species, with plans to continue to expand the collection. Wildlife World’s popular Safari Tram’s new route includes the expansion, doubling its length! The 8-acre addition brings Safari Park to nearly 25 acres! Arizona’s climate lends itself to these magnificent animals and provides them with a perfect environment to flourish while they act as ambassadors for their species and inspire people to conserve and protect their wild counterparts.

The 8-acre Safari Park Addition just had its grand opening at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park and is now open for everyone to enjoy.

For more information: 623-935-WILD (9453) or visit us on facebook, Instagram or Twitter @zoowildlife, and wildlifeworld.com