You all remember the cougar, yes? The cat was caught roaming the streets of Roscoe Village last spring, and was eventually shot, causing a fair amount of uproar in the local community. Blogs were abuzz with commentary, parents refused to let their kids play outside, zoos were boycotted (ok, not really). It was a big deal. Which is why we can't understand how we've heard next to nothing about another wild animal, a rhinoceros, residing in Chicago - and it's been here for the last 20 years.

We're talking about the Rhinoceros Theater Festival, of course, the month-plus-long showcase of untraditional performance going down through March 1 at five venues across the city. Curated by the Curious Theatre Branch, this festival offers a look at the many creative artists that make Chicago special. This year's fest includes a new addition, the Rhino Music Series at the Viaduct Theatre, featuring the likes of Michael Zerang and Maestro Subgum and the Whole. Other upcoming events include "Elvisbride: Some Prepared Remarks to Clarify the Impending Jubilation," a tonal operetta for voice, orchestra and analog television (9:30 p.m. Friday at Acme Art Works, 2215 W. North), and "Catching Out: A Hobo Play With Music" (9 p.m. Saturday at SAIC Auditorium, 280 S. Columbus). Seems kinda hard to ignore, eh?

Tickets are $12 for music, $15 for theater and $20 for special events - or you can pay what you can afford. All reservations can be made through the Viaduct Theatre box office, (773) 296-6024.

Really? You could ignore this?