The Southern White Rhinoceros is predominantly found in South Africa. It is the largest of the five 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 as a sunscreen and insect repellent for the rhinoceros. Males and females have two horns, the front one reaching lengths of up to 150cm. 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.

OUR RHINOS

Umgana
Umgana was born in 1992. He is a very dominating male toward the female rhinos but very affectionate towards his keepers.

Leeroy
Leeroy was born in September 1980. Renouned for his long horn, he loves the company of his keepers. 

Kapamba
Kapamba was born in March 1996. He is affectionate toward his keepers but shy around the female rhinos.

Make
Make, born in 1984, is a bit shy, probably because she hangs around with another shy rhino called Lataba.

Likwezi
Likwezi was born in December 1985. She is a bit of a loner and tends to hang out by herself or with the zebras.

Lataba
Lataba, born in 1992, is very flighty. She takes a while to get used to changes in her environment.

Si Si
Si Si, born in 1998, loves to eat all day long. She is a bit aggressive toward the male rhino, especially if he tries to steal her food (Si Si is Make's daughter).

DID YOU KNOW?

• A rhinoceros has three 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