19-Nov-08 8:00 AM CST

Rise and Shine with the Rhinos

Yulee, Fla -- Looking for the perfect holiday gift for those special someones who have everything and still want to save the world? How about a four-day safari with five of your favorite folks to experience some of the world’s most endangered species up close? And, you don’t even need to dust off your passport!

The International Rhino Foundation, which made international ‘bizarre holiday gift’ news last year by auctioning rhino poop on eBay, has toned it down this year, but beefed up the offerings: This year they’re offering a rare animal encounter for conservationists and animal lovers.

In a special pre-holiday auction, the International Rhino Foundation will award the top bidder a one-of-a-kind “Rhino Rendezvous” for six people. The winning bidder will have a rare opportunity to spend four days at IRF’s headquarters at White Oak Conservation Center, just north of Jacksonville, Fla.

“Rhino Rendezvous” includes ground transportation, meals, exceptional accommodations, recreational activities and access to a world-class conservation facility not open to the public. This unique and exclusive center is generally reserved for scientists, global and corporate leaders, and White Oak Conservation Center Foundation members.

“Rhino Rendezvous” offers quality time with endangered species, including four of the five species of rhino, giraffes, tigers, cheetahs, panthers, zebras, elands, and Komodo monitors - just to name a few. The winning group will go behind-the-scenes with conservation experts for photo opportunities and early- morning feeding sessions with keepers - a personal experience with some of the most remarkable creatures on Earth.

The auction begins on November 13 and this experience is valued at $25,000. The minimum bid is $2,500. Bidders can go to www.rhinosirf.cmarket.com to place their bid. The auction ends December 15.

Every day, more and more rhinos are being lost to poaching, forest loss, habitat conversion and humans invading their habitat. The winning bid – and tax-deductible donation to IRF – will help ensure these gentle giants are around for future generations. The International Rhino Foundation is a global not-for-profit organization dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research, and increasing awareness about the plight of the rhino. To learn more about the IRF or make a direct contribution, visit http://www.rhinos-irf.org.

For additional information on this release, please contact:

Susie Ellis

Phone: (540) 465-9595

Email:

Source: International Rhino Foundation

Website: http://www.rhinos-irf.org