Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is throwing a goodbye party for PJ, a greater one-horned rhinoceros and a 13-year resident of the Sanford attraction.

The animal is being transported to Buffalo Zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan, a function of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums . PJ’s role will be as a breeding male, helping prop up the population. The Buffalo Zoo has been successfully breeding this species by natural and scientific methods of assisted reproduction, producing three offspring, it says.

The farewell event is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, coinciding with World Rhino Day . Activities will include keeper chats, rhino-themed activities and artwork created by PJ. The attraction is currently holding a farewell auction that includes some of the rhin

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