Dominant males of this species lead solitary lives, fiercely defending their territories against intruding males. White rhinos are sedentary creatures that rarely venture from their home range. Their territories vary greatly, depending on the type of habitat as well as the availability of resources. Each group occupies a territory of at least 75-8 sq. White rhinos are probably the most sociable rhinoceroses, forming groups of up to 14 individuals, although group size is usually smaller. The White rhinoceros has the widest set of nostrils of any land-based animal. The olfactory passages that are responsible for smell are larger than their entire brain. Its ears can move independently to pick up sounds, but it depends most of all on its sense of smell. White rhinos have a distinctive broad, straight mouth which is used for grazing. Its only hair is the ear fringes and tail bristles. The color of the body ranges from yellowish-brown to slate grey. Each of the four stumpy feet has three toes. The White rhinoceros also has a noticeable hump on the back of its neck. The front horn is larger and averages 60 cm (24 in) in length, reaching as much as 150 cm (59 in) but only in females. These are made of solid keratin, in which they differ from the horns of bovids (cattle and their relatives), which are keratin with a bony core, and deer antlers, which are solid bone. On its snout, it has two horn-like growths, one behind the other. It has a massive body and large head, a short neck, and a broad chest. Currently he receives 4 boxes weighing 15 kg each, 4 times per week.The White rhinoceros weighs slightly more on average than a hippopotamus despite a considerable mass overlap between these two species. Because of Denver’s limited growing season, Rudy gets browse flown in from Florida every week. Rudy is a very food motivated rhino, who loves browse and apples.įresh plant material is an essential component in black rhino diets both for their teeth and digestive health. Rudy, full name Rudisha, is Denver Zoo’s resident black rhino, who is located just to the right of the main entrance near the Gates Center. Lifespan in the wild is 35-50 years, and in managed care settings extends to 45 years. Females may stay with the mother longer than three years. Calves are weaned at about two and a half years but may remain with the mother up for two to three years until the next calf is born. After a gestation of 15-16 months, females give birth to a single calf weighing 75-110 pounds (35-50 kg), which the mother raises on her own. Life Cycleįemales are mature at about five to six years males at seven to eight years. Males are primarily solitary and territorial, but recent studies have found that females and sub adults can be fairly social and share ranges. Social Organizationīlack rhinos have been identified as solitary animals for many years, with the exception of mating pairs and females with calves. Although it is illegal, humans continue to hunt rhinos, primarily for their horn, which can be sold for a high price on the black market. They also eat grasses and bark.Īt the zoo: A specially formulated herbivores pellet diet, hay, browse, and produce such as lettuce, apples, and banana for enrichment and training What Eats It?Ĭalves can fall prey to lions and hyenas. In the wild: Black rhinos are browsers which means they feed on twigs, branches, leaves and shrubs. They have a prehensile, pointed upper lip.They have a large head, short neck and short, thick legs. The larger anterior horn can average 1.5 feet (0.5 m) long. The skin of the black rhino is dark gray or dark brown, not black.They stand 60-63 inches (152-161 cm) at the shoulder.When the time comes for breeding, rhinos find each other by following the scent of their intended mate for miles. A rhino’s best senses are hearing and smell.They can break off or wear down, but will grow back over time since they are a mass of keratin (the same material as hair) perched on a roughened area of the skull. Rhino horns are primarily used for protection.Rhinos walk on their toes! They have three toes with a soft pad under the toes that help cushion their enormous weight.Mud helps keep biting insects away and protects skin like sunscreen. They can get insect bites and even sunburn, so rhinos need access to shade and mud. Rhinos have t hick but sensitive skin.They have a prehensile lip which they use to grasp and strip leaves and bark from woody plants.
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