Blue Rhino is proud to partner with The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) as part of the Ferrellgas Century Project. It’s our company’s way of giving back and making the world a better place. We support IRF’s mission by promoting the importance of rhino conservation. We’re also encouraging our customers to do the same to help save all five magnificent rhino species.
What is the International Rhino Foundation?
The International Rhino Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to protecting all 5 species of rhinos. IRF has operated rhino conservation programs in Africa and Asia for more than 30 years.
The IRF has a vision: A world where rhinos thrive in the wild. They want groups of rhinos – called crashes – to roam freely in parts of Africa and Asia like they did years ago. Right now, there are five species of rhinos remaining in the wild: Greater One Horned, Javan, Sumatran, Black, and White. At the start of the 20th century, there were 500,000 rhinos in the wild. By 1970, the worldwide population fell to 70,000. Today, there are only 28,000 surviving rhinos in the wild. Four of the five remaining rhino species may become extinct. Three of those species are critically endangered, meaning they may cease to exist in our lifetime. It’s scary to think that an animal, once roaming in the wild freely, may not be around anymore in the very near future. But IRF is trying to change that.
IRF’s mission is to ensure the survival of the rhinos. IRF works closely with companies and partner organizations to strengthen local rhino conservation efforts by funding, partnering and implementing targeted rhino and habitat protection efforts and scientifically sound interventions.
IRF values integrity, collaboration, adaptability, sound decision-making, and commitment – all values which Blue Rhino supports as well. Our partnership just makes sense. Learn more about IRF’s mission and values and what the IRF does.
What Can You Do to Get Involved?
There are many options. It all starts with supporting Blue Rhino. When you choose Blue Rhino to fuel your backyard cookout, you also support the IRF through our partnership. You can also spread the word about IRF’s mission and Blue Rhino’s important partnership with the organization! IRF has a wonderful mission to share, and more people need to know about it.
Donate
You might also consider making a monetary donation directly to the IRF. Learn more here.
Purchase Gear
Show your support by sporting a special IRF-themed t-shirt! It features a rhino holding a spatula and wearing an apron, ready to fire up the grill and cook a hearty meal for the family. He’s cooking with Blue Rhino propane, of course!
Special Tank Package
Occasionally, Blue Rhino distributes special IRF-themed packaging on its tanks. The artwork shows Blue Rhino's support for IRF and will certainly create conversation about conservation at your next barbecue. Watch your local store or check BlueRhino.com.
Host a Cookout for a Cause
Speaking of grilling, why not host a cookout for a cause? Blue Rhino not only partners with IRF, but it also partners with Operation BBQ Relief (OBR). Both non-profit organizations are doing amazing things every day. That’s why Blue Rhino, IRF, and OBR, have teamed up to showcase the five remaining species of rhinos and share information about them, including where they live in the wild. We’re also featuring barbecue recipe inspired by each species home region.
Padangnese Grilled Chicken
First up, Sumatran Rhinos, which live in the wild in Indonesia. Try Padangnese Grilled Chicken, which is inspired by this region’s cuisine. If you like spicy food, this one’s for you! It features Scotch bonnet peppers, fresh ginger, and even some lemongrass for a fresh twist. This chicken cooks in a cast iron pan on the grill, giving it a crusty, caramelized flavor.
Grilled Tofu and Vegetable Kebabs with a Spicy Yogurt Marinade
You may also want to try Grilled Tofu and Vegetable Kebabs with a Spicy Yogurt Marinade. This recipe was created in honor of Greater One-Horned Rhinos, which live in the wild in India and Nepal. You won’t miss the meat in this recipe! Hearty mushroom caps, zucchini, eggplant, and firm tofu make this recipe filling and flavorful. The cooling Greek yogurt marinade has tahini and garlic for an earthy, umami flavor.
Barbecue Spiced Shrimp
This recipe for Barbecue Spiced Shrimp was inspired by the White Rhinos which live in Kenya. A unique spice blend of ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric really brings out the flavors in this dish. The shrimp cook up quickly on the grill, which means dinner will be ready in no time!
Zimbabwean Steak Skewers
You may also want to try Zimbabwean Steak Skewers. This dish was inspired by the Black Rhinos that roam through Zimbabwe. What sets this recipe apart is its sweet and savory flavors. A blend of hot sauce, steak seasoning, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar meld together to create the perfect marinade for ribeye steaks. They’re served with rice, making this a flavorful and filling meal.
Why We Support IRF
At Blue Rhino, we believe in giving back, and are proud to support the International Rhino Foundation through our company's ongoing Ferrellgas Century Project. With your help, we can make a difference in saving the rhinos. We’re proud to support this important cause and can’t wait to see the progress IRF makes. So get out your Blue Rhino propane, fire up the grill, and spread the news about IRF’s mission to your family and friends. It only takes a moment to make a difference! Happy grilling!
Last updated: 2024.09.26