International Rhino Keeper Association

<%@LANGUAGE="VBSCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> International Rhino Keeper Association

New Items Added: "The Crash" Newsletter - Highlighted IRKA Program: Keeper Professional Development

Welcome to the web site for the International Rhino Keeper Association. This association of rhino keepers is dedicated to the sharing of knowledge in relation to the five species of rhinoceros. Information experienced through captive management and through study in the field are both valued as critical to the rhinoceros survival. To this end the IRKA conducts the Rhino Keeper Workshop every two years to learn and discuss the most up-to-date information in the fields of rhino biology, management, nutrition and training. This is a membership based organization that desires to both serve its members to become the best care takers and managers of the rhinos in their care as well as depend on them to participate in the association’s interests and growth.

Sept 1, 2009

Dear Professional IRKA Members,

The third annual election for members of the Board of Directors (BOD) has concluded. Last spring the IRKA Election Committee accepted nominations for the four open positions and ballots were sent to all professional IRKA members in June. The election was held from July 1, 2009 through July 15, 2009. The results were announced on August 15, 2009. The four BOD positions that begin on September 1, 2009 and last for three years are Adam Felts, Vickie Steele, Dave Clawson and Christine Bobko. Thanks to all who participated by voting.

Thanks also to Dorothy Forman and the election committee for their work in holding another successful election.

THE IRKA IS NOW ON FACEBOOK

Click on the direct link below or search for
"international rhino keeper association"
on facebook to be directed to the IRKA page.

Visitors can also "become a fan" of IRKA on this page.
Becoming a fan allows them to receive any updates or
special news items that are delivered through the page.

Join the IRKA on Facebook


	2009 WORKSOP PRESENTATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON AT LINK BEOW 2009 Rhino Keeper Workshop Presentations Share your Workshop pictures on Facebook

Starting January 1, 2008 the International Rhino Keeper Association began implementation of membership fees. The membership categories are as follows:

Professional - $25

Supporting Professional - $20

Associates - $15

The membership dues will be due at the beginning of each year starting on January 1, 2008. There will be a standard membership fee of $15 for each category for those who wish to become members after August of each year. Membership forms and payment information are located at the "Join IRKA" link at the top right on each page of this web site. Go ahead and JOIN today.

The Keeper Professional Development Program will allocate up to 2 - $500 "reimbursement” on first come, first serve basis per six month interval for a total allocation of $2,000 for the program. Approved applicants who submit in the first half of the year will be required to work at host facility sometime during the second half of the year while those who apply in the second half will be required to work the first half of the following year. Additional requirements apply. Click link below for full KPD program details. It is the hope we can get four and possibly more keepers to participate per year in this beneficial program.

Keeper Professional Development program details