Zuri's 10th Birthday

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No, I didn't give up on these; I just said I wouldn't make as many due to image constraints. Anyway...

Today, Zuri the black rhinoceros turns ten years old. She is the older of the Oregon Zoo's two eastern black rhinos, and a potential future mom. Zuri was born on June 7, 2007 and arrived at the Oregon Zoo in April of 2011. Zuri's transfer here was under the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan for black rhinos -- like that of her partner, Ruka's arrival in 2015. While the two have yet to rear any calves, they have been getting along well. It is still hoped that she and Ruka will become future parents, helping to spread diversity in the captive gene pool. While Zuri has been doing good, her wild brethren faces an uncertain future.

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Why are black rhinos in trouble?

Black rhinos are among the most endangered mammals in the world, primarily because of a recent resurgence in poaching them for their horns. In several Asian countries, rhino horns are used in traditional medicine as a cure for many ailments. One rhino horn can bring up to $24,000. In some Arabic countries, the rhino horn is used symbolically to indicate manhood. In 1970, there were approximately 65,000 black rhinos left in the wild; currently there are only about 5,000.

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Here are five ways you can help black, white, Sumatran, Javan and greater one-horned rhinos:

1) Take a stand against the ivory and rhino horn trade

The international consumer demand for ivory and horn is rapidly driving elephants and rhinos toward extinction. Bringing an end to this trade will help stop the illegal killing of these animals. Pledge to avoid purchasing items made from ivory or rhino horn, and urge state and federal governments to continue championing efforts to stop wildlife crime. Take action now. 

2) Report illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia with the Wildlife Witness app*

Travelers in Thailand, Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia can help protect imperiled species by reporting suspected illegal wildlife trade through the Wildlife Witness app, developed by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia in partnership with TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network. App users who encounter live animals or parts such as rhino horn or pangolin scales can take a photo via smartphone, pin the location and send the data to TRAFFIC. Download from iTunes or Google Play. 

*It would also help to keep an eye out for illegal wildlife trade in other areas.

3) Become a Wildlife Partner through the Oregon Zoo foundation*

The Wildlife Partners program offers individuals the opportunity to financially support and advance the Oregon Zoo's on-the-ground efforts to fight extinction. Since 1998, donor support has helped us fund local and gobal conservation projects protecting species ranging from butterflies to rhinos. Find out how you can get involved. 

*While recommended, you don't need to be an Oregonian to do this.

4) Ask a company to use deforestation-free palm oil

Palm oil - used in foods, cosmetics and other products - is the world's most popular vegetable oil. The process of producing it destroys tropical habitats and significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Some companies are taking steps to reduce the palm oil's impact on the environment. Send these companies a message to encourage them to do even more. 

5) Look for the FSC-certified label on wood and paper products

Whether you're purchasing napkins, paper or a bed frame, look for the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label to help ensure that your wood product is "friendly" to forests. Forests are home to 80% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity and they help to stabilize the earth's climate. FSC standards help limit clear cuts, restrict the most hazardous chemicals and reduce erosion along rivers.

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And that does it for today's birthday collage. There might be a slight error with the imaging here, but the rest of it should be accurate. Additionally, those are five ways you can help these odd-toed ungulates. The next piece will come soon.

All images and information are from www.oregonzoo.org.