Sanford zoo’s party to salute endangered rhino headed for Buffalo

[Disney4me]

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is throwing a goodbye party for PJ, a greater one-horned rhinoceros and a 13-year resident of the Sanford attraction.

The animal is being transported to Buffalo Zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan, a function of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. PJ’s role will be as a breeding male, helping prop up the population. The Buffalo Zoo has been successfully breeding this species by natural and scientific methods of assisted reproduction, producing three offspring, it says.

The farewell event is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, coinciding with World Rhino Day. Activities will include keeper chats, rhino-themed activities and artwork created by PJ.  The attraction is currently holding a farewell auction that includes some of the rhino’s art, zoo tours and other items. (The auction closes at 3 p.m. Saturday.)

Party festivities are included with regular zoo admission.

Greater one-horned rhinos weigh between 4,000 and 6,000 pounds and can be 6 feet tall. Their single horns are about 8 to 25 inches long and continue to grow throughout their lifetimes. The horn is used in searching for food and foraging for roots. The species rely on their heightened sense of hearing to detect danger.  When startled, rhinos will charge, reaching speeds of up to 30 mph.

For tickets and more information, go to centralfloridazoo.org.

Email me at dbevil@orlandosentinel.com. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.

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