White Rhinoceros

Meet White Rhinos at Audubon Zoo

The White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), with its tank-like body and sharp facial horns, can be quite imposing. But when a rhino is rolling in mud, it’s downright adorable. See for yourself when you visit the rhinos at Audubon Zoo!

White Rhino Fast Facts

Conservation Status: Near Threatened, potential risk of extinction
Habitat/Range: Long and short grass savannas
Diet: Herbivore—grasses
Size: 5-6 ft. tall at shoulder; 3,000-7,000 lbs.
Lifespan: up to 35 years in the wild; up to 40 years in human care
Social Structure: Lives in family groups known as prides
Fun Fact: Rhinos wallow in mud to cool off, repel bugs, and protect their skin from sunburn.

Rhinos are plant eaters, not predators.

A group of rhinos is called a crash.

A White Rhinoceros at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans

A white rhino’s head can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.

White Rhino Habitat & Range

White rhinos are considered one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species. They live in savannah grasslands.

Learn More About White Rhino Habitat & Range

Historic vs. Current Range
White rhinos were once widespread across the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. Now, almost all remaining white rhinos live in the country of South Africa, with a few small, introduced sub-populations in a handful of other African countries. There are now more white rhinos living on private land in South Africa than in the whole rest of Africa.

Habitat
White rhinos are grassland specialists. They live in short- and tall-grass savannahs.

White Rhino Behavior

White rhinos are not actually white. They are wide-lipped, which makes them more effective grazers. Their name derives from English mispronunciation of wyd, the Afrikaans word for “wide.”

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Eating
White rhinos are huge animals that must eat a lot of grass to maintain their bulk. This means that they spend much of their time grazing, with their heads lowered close to the ground. Good thing, because it takes an enormous amount of energy and strength for a rhino to lift its head. You’ll notice that white rhinos have a massive shoulder hump – that’s all muscle to help with head-lifting!

Male rhinos are generally solitary while females and juveniles move in small groups. Calves stay with their mothers for two to three years, until their mothers send the message (by chasing them off) that it’s time for them to grow up and go their own way.

Who's That
Rhinos are somewhat blind, which makes them naturally wary. They can sense shape and movement all around them, but they can’t really see what’s coming. Rather than flee in response to perceived threats, these normally calm and docile mega-herbivores charge! And beware anyone who comes between a mother rhino and her calf. She will protect her offspring fiercely!

Ecosystem Engineers
Because rhinos are constantly trimming the grass, they are important ecosystem engineers. They spread seed in their dung and promote the health and diversity of the very grasslands they are munching.

White Rhino Conservation

White rhinos are a cautionary case study in conservation success. They have rallied from the brink of extinction but are still in dire need of protection.

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Threats
White rhinos are like living tanks. They do not have to worry about getting eaten by any other animal. However, they are threatened by habitat loss and by poachers who kill them illegally for their horns. Rhino horn has no known health benefits, but it is still valued for its use in traditional Asian and African medicines, as well as ornamentally.

Conservation Efforts
By the end of the 19th century, white rhinos had been hunted nearly to extinction. A single population remained, numbering fewer than 50 animals. Today, there are upwards of 20,000 white rhinos living in the wild and semi-wild. Their population has rebounded impressively in response to coordinated protection and concerted conservation actions aimed at building stable sub-populations. They remain a highly managed species.

Despite these conservation successes, illegal poaching is on the rise again and the white rhino population is starting to decline once more. These animals are still targeted for their horns and will survive only under heavy protection on private lands, in national parks, and in wildlife refuges.

White Rhino FAQs

How can I help rhinos in the wild?

Audubon Nature Institute is dedicated to protecting rhinos, other wildlife, and the habitats they depend upon all around the world. Our conservation work is supported directly by our guests and members. When you buy a ticket or join as a member, you are directly contributing to species-focused conservation efforts across the planet. Thank you!

What do the rhinos eat at the Zoo?

Audubon’s white rhinos eat mostly grass as well as grain specially formulated for grazing animals.

Are the rhinos part of any conservation program?

Each year, the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) sponsors Bowling for Rhinos, a series of fundraising events for rhino conservation. More than 85 AAZK chapters participate, including our very own NOLA chapter, made up of dedicated Audubon staff members.