Companies from across South Devon have gathered to celebrate continued collaboration ahead of Paignton Zoo’s Great Big Rhino Project.
The event, held at Artizan Gallery on Wednesday May 11, was a chance for supporters to discover more about the project and featured talks from Paignton Zoo’s Simon Tonge and Pippa Craddock.
The event was also supported by Pier Point restaurant, providing canapes and Prosseco, as well as special-edition Rhino Ale by Bays Brewery.
Following on from Paignton Zoo’s successful Great Gorillas Project of 2013, the Great Big Rhino Project will see life-sized rhino models on display across the streets of Devon this summer. Specially-commissioned artists have been busy painting the model rhinos that are sponsored by local businesses and community groups.
One of the evening’s supporters, The Training Partnership, believes that the project highlights the importance of local collaboration.
Nadine Stroud, Business Development Director said: “Partnerships are really important to us, whether locally with businesses in South Devon or globally with universities and colleges from across the world. They all matter.
“We can get involved with the Great Big Rhino Project and impact on a cause like Save the Rhino International with a few simple actions close to home. That’s what The Training Partnership is all about. To collaborate with organisations such as Paignton Zoo, Artizan Gallery, Scribble & Ink, Bays Brewery and Pier Point to affect change in Africa and Asia is very humbling.”
The Great Big Rhino Project will allow Paignton Zoo to continue its vital conservation and education work. In addition, it will help Save the Rhino International protect the Critically Endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos – there are fewer than 100 of each species left in the world. The trail of painted rhino models across Torbay and Exeter will come alive on Saturday July 30.
