News and Stories

Proceeds Support the Zoo’s Rhino Conservation Efforts

CINCINNATI, OH  (September 21, 2017) – Beer isn’t just for baby hippos! After selling out of all batches of the special brew that they created for baby hippo Fiona, Listermann Brewing Company decided to make a beer fit for a baby black rhino! Sales of the New-England style black IPA will help support the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s rhino conservation efforts.

“Working with the Zoo for Team Fiona has been a dream come true. We’ve raised over $20,000 for Fiona and wanted to start spreading the love.  When Kendi was born, we knew we had to make a beer for him. He is in the Zoo’s logo after all!,” said Jason Brewer, General Manager of Listermann Brewing Company.

The new IPA will be ready for tasting this Saturday, September 23 at 10 am at Listermann Brewing Co., located two miles away from the Zoo across from Xavier University.  Beer lovers and can collectors will also be able to buy up to six 4 packs of Kendi beer, which sell for $14.99 each.

“We made a beer we’ve never done before, a New-England style black IPA for the baby black rhino. It is similar to Team Fiona beer but with a different color and flavor profile. Kendi has big notes of Grapefruit, Tangerine, Peach and citrus,” said Brewer.

Eastern black rhinos, native to Eastern and Central Africa, have two large horns made of keratin that they use for defense, intimidation, and feeding. An adult can weigh anywhere between 1,760 and 3,080 pounds, and newborns (calves) weigh between 73 – 121 pounds. The species is critically endangered due to poaching and habitat loss.  Fewer than 5,000 black rhinos remain in the world, and approximately 60 are managed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) in North American Zoos.