Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros

The Southern White Rhinoceros is predominantly found in South Africa. It is the largest of the 5 species of rhinoceros and is also known as the ‘square-lipped Rhinoceros’ because of its wide, straight upper lip that enables it to graze. It is seldom aggressive and is the most sociable of the five species. Bulls are more vocal, making snorting, bellowing and trumpeting sounds.

Wallowing in mud serves both as a sunscreen and insect repellent for the Rhinoceros. Both males and females have two horns, the front one of which can reach lengths of up to 150 cm.  An adult male weighs approximately 2.3 tonnes and a female weighs about 1.8 tonnes.

Rhinoceros have only one predator, humans, who prize it for its hooves, blood, urine and above all for its horns for use in traditional medicines. The horns are also used to make handles for traditional Jambiya daggers, worn as a status symbol by men in Yemen.

Did you know?

  • A Rhinoceros has 3 toes on each foot!
  • Some animals such as the Eland and Kudu will roll in Rhinoceros poo to disguise their scent. This reduces their chances of being attacked by predators such as lions.
  • The Rhinoceros’ ears can move independently allowing it to hear in different directions at the same time.
  • Rhinoceros horn is made of keratin, the same substance of human hair and nails!
  • A pile of Rhinoceros poo is called a ‘midden’. Rhinos use middens to help them navigate in their territory.

Our Rhinos

  • Leeroy (male) - dob September 1980.
  • Make (female)  - dob 1984.
  • Likwezi (female) - dob December 1985.
  • Lataba (female) - dob 1992.
  • Umgana (male) - dob 1992.
  • Kapamba (male) - dob March 1996.
  • Si Si (female) - dob 1998.
  • Ganini - dob 25 September 2002. 
  • Tawali - dob 25 November 2004.
Class
Mammalia
Order

Perissodactyla

Family

Rhinocerotidae

Species Name

Ceratotherium simum simum

Status

Near Threatened