You’ve probably heard of Cinco de Mayo, but May 5th is also a big day when it comes to rhino conservation efforts. The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) uses May 5th to raise awareness about the five rhinoceros species remaining on earth and what people can do to help.
Blue Rhino is proud to partner with 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 this magnificent yet endangered species.
What is the International Rhino Foundation?
The International Rhino Foundation 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. They’re working with companies and conservationists to develop strategic partnerships to spread their message about the plight of the rhinos. They’re also supporting targeted 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. You can learn more about IRF’s mission and values here.
What Can You Do to Get Involved?
So, what can you do to get involved? First and foremost, 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.
Secondly, consider making a monetary donation. Our company will match donations, dollar for dollar, so your contribution will be doubled, giving IRF twice the support. Learn more here.
| 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! |
You can also enter to win our #GoWildForRhinos Sweepstakes. Every week during the month of May, we are giving away a free Keep the Five Alive T-shirt and Blue Rhino Tank exchange. You can enter by answering the trivia questions on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
| Why not show your support the next time you fire up the grill? Check your local store for special, limited-edition IRF-themed tank sleeves. The artwork shows our company’s support for IRF and will certainly spark some conversation about conservation at your next barbecue. |
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, are all teaming 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
Blue Rhino believes that the International Rhino Foundation is doing amazing things, and you can too. With your help, we can make a difference in saving the rhinos. We’re proud to support this important cause for another year and can’t wait to see the progress IRF makes over the next year. 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!