1,400 Square Feet of Carpet Meets 2,800 Pounds of Rhino 

Yulee, FL; Birmingham, AL – The International Rhino Foundation has partnered with the Birmingham Zoo and Mohawk Industries in the ultimate test of carpet durability.  Birmingham Zoo is set to install Mohawk’s SmartStrand® carpet in the indoor enclosure of “Ricko,” the Zoo’s eastern black rhino. The installation is part of a real-life demonstration of the campaign’s motto, “If SmartStrand® can stand up to this wildlife, it can certainly stand up to your wildlife.”

“We’re excited to partner with the Birmingham Zoo and Mohawk Industries for this unique event,” said Dr. Susie Ellis, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation. “This is a new and fun way to get our message out to the public while educating them on the serious issues facing rhinos in the wild.”

Beginning August 14, twelve-year old Ricko will live as usual in his enclosure—eating, sleeping, and doing everything that comes naturally to a 2,800-pound rhinoceros—yes, everything. Two webcams will catch all the action, 24 hours a day for two weeks, with continual live broadcasts on the SmartStrand® Challenge Website.

Home and Garden Television’s (HGTV) Chip Wade, carpenter for their hit shows “Curb Appeal” and “Designed to Sell” is serving as the official spokesperson and craftsmen for this unique project. Inspired by Ricko himself, Chip has designed and renovated both Ricko’s public viewing area and his indoor enclosure, allowing his visitor’s full-access to all of the action during the SmartStrand® Challenge.  Ricko’s visitors will also enjoy a brand new seating area, surrounded by vertical shading in the shape of rhinoceros horns ranging from three to 12 feet tall.

Visitors to the Birmingham Zoo and the SmartStrand® Challenge Website will have the opportunity to purchase t-shirts, as well as plush rhinos, created specifically for the event.  Profits from the merchandise will go toward supporting both the Birmingham Zoo and the International Rhino Foundation’s Black Rhino Conservation Program.

To learn more about the SmartStrand® Challenge and the Black Rhino Conservation Program, please visit www.smartstrandchallenge.com.The International Rhino Foundation is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research. Visit www.rhinos-irf.org to learn more about the black rhinos and the challenges they face.