PALFINGER: “Athos” the Rhino is Adopted

21.09.2021

The Salzburg company takes over the sponsorship of the white rhinoceros at Salzburg Zoo. In the wild, rhinos are subject to widespread poaching because of their horn and are classified as an endangered species.

Since 2018, the world’s leading manufacturer of innovative crane and lifting solutions has been working together with Salzburg Zoo in Hellbrunn. Since the previous adopted animal “Niara” the cheetah moved to Stuttgart, a new animal had to be found. Athos has lived in Salzburg since 2012 and has already successfully produced offspring three times

Important rhino offspring

The rhino is contributing to maintaining the stock of a rapidly depleting species of rhinoceros. The northern white rhinoceros is already extinct. Southern white rhinoceros populations in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and Swaziland are steadily declining due to poaching. “Having rhino offspring born in the safe environment of zoos can prove vital to the survival of the species,” emphasizes Andreas Klauser, CEO of PALFINGER AG.

A signal for biodiversity

One hundred years ago, the white rhinoceros was almost completely wiped out except for a herd of about 40 animals at the Umfolozi game reserve in South Africa. Starting from this group as well as rhinos in zoos, the number of white rhinoceroses increased to about 40,000 by the turn of the century. “What has succeeded with white rhinoceroses can succeed with other endangered species. By adopting Athos, PALFINGER is sending a clear and unmistakable signal for biodiversity and against poaching,” confirms Andreas Klauser.

ABOUT PALFINGER AG

With innovative lifting solutions, PALFINGER sets standards worldwide. The leading technology and engineering company turns customer needs into seamlessly integrated solutions. A broad product portfolio and regional footprint drive balanced profitable growth. With its promise of Lifetime Excellence, PALFINGER delivers top performance throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Around 12,350 employees, 30 international manufacturing sites, and a global distribution and service network ensure worldwide proximity to the market.

PALFINGER AG has been listed on the Vienna stock exchange since 1999 and achieved a revenue of EUR 2.36 billion in 2024.

QUERIES TO

Katja Pötsch | Head of Corporate Communications | PALFINGER AG
M +43 664 889 69 065 | k.poetsch@palfinger.com