Coffee With the Curator - How a Kansas Zoo Inspired a Novel

Join us on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM for Coffee With the Curator at the Museum of World Treasures!

In this session, Kansas author Jillian Forsberg will delve into the true story behind her novel, The Rhino Keeper. She will engage with Rolling Hills Zoo’s rhino keepers to explore the significant differences in rhino care from Clara’s era in the 1740s to today’s practices at an AZA (Association for Zoos & Aquariums) accredited zoo.

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Attending Information

• Open to all ages
• No need to register; simply walk in!
• Light refreshments provided.

Talk Summary

Jillian Forsberg reveals the true story behind her novel, The Rhino Keeper, and explores the significant differences in rhino care from Clara’s era in the 1740s to today’s practices at an AZA (Association for Zoos & Aquariums) accredited zoo.

Speaker Bio - Jillian Forsberg

Kansas author Jillian Forsberg is a former Museum of World Treasures employee. She holds a master’s degree in public history from Wichita State University and a bachelor’s degree in communication and history from McPherson College. Her research on little-known historical events led her to discover the true story behind her first novel, The Rhino Keeper.

Jillian is a regular contributor to Writer Unboxed and leads the Manuscript Matchup beta reader program through History Through Fiction.

You can find Jillian gardening, browsing the closest antique mall, or reading every label at a museum. She will most likely be wearing vintage dresses, except when she’s at the zoo.