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.

Starting January 1, 2008 the International Rhino Keeper Association will begin implementation of membership fees. The categories to choose from are as follows:

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.

Mark your calendars! The 2009 Rhino Keeper Workshop is scheduled to take place May 17th - 21st, 2009. Busch Gardens will host the workshop in Tampa Florida with a post trip scheduled for the 22nd. Preparations are being planned and will be announced on this web site as soon as they are available.

2009 Rhino Keeper Workshop Information

One of the main priorities of the IRKA is to promote and foster education and experience of rhino keepers. The Rhino Keeper Workshops enables participants to gain knowledge through presentations, demonstrations and facility tours. With this in mind, a scholarship program has been implemented with the goal of financial assistance to those keepers that would like to attend a workshop. The 2007 Workshop granted over 20 scholarships to qualified applicants. It is the desire of the IRKA to continue offering these scholarships for future workshops. The 2009 application and instructions are available at the link below.

2009 Rhino Keeper Workshop Scholarship application

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

As required in the IRKA bylaws the Board of Directors met at White Oak Conservation Center on February 8th - 11th, 2008 for the yearly meeting. Among the topics discussed were applying for non profit 501c3 status, funding for the Keeper Professional Development program, continued funding for the RKW scholarship, upcoming BOD elections and 2009 RKW plans. Additionally Steve Shurter, Rhino Advisory Group Chair, gave the group an overview on the rhino TAG and how we can potentially work together. Susie Ellis, IRF Executive Director and IRKA advisor also gave an overview of IRF's new look and programs they continue to coordinate. For more information or questions about the meeting please contact one of the board members at the link above. The next BOD meeting is scheduled to be held at the 2009 RKW in Busch Gardens.