White rhinoceros

Habitat
Savannah and grassland areas in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia.

Age
39-43 years

Weight
Females: up to 2000 kg
Males: up to 3000 kg

Height
1.6-1.9 meters

Gestation Period
15-17 months

Number of Offspring
1 calf every 2.5-3 years

Conservation Status
At risk of becoming threatened

Did you know…

• There are five different species of rhinoceros: two from Africa – the black and white rhinoceros, and three from Asia – Sumatran rhinoceros, Indian rhinoceros, and Javan rhinoceros.
• Knuthenborg’s rhinoceros belongs to the species of white rhinoceros.
• The white rhinoceros is also known as the southern white rhinoceros.
• The white rhinoceros is the world’s third-largest mammal, surpassed only by the Indian and African elephants.
• Although rhinoceroses are large and heavy, they can run up to 50 km/h when they pick up speed. When they are in full motion, rhinoceroses appear almost elegant and light.
• In a day, a rhinoceros can consume between 60-80 kg of grass.
• Rhinoceroses have no incisors, but they have very strong molars that can chew even the toughest grass.
• With a lot going in, there is also a lot coming out. A rhinoceros defecates about 25 kg per day. That’s a lot of dung to be cleared during the winter.
• Although the white rhinoceros feeds on grass, it is not a ruminant. They have a single stomach.
• Rhinoceroses have relatively poor eyesight but an excellent sense of smell.
• If you look carefully on the savannah in Knuthenborg, you can spot rhinoceros “toilets” in several places in the grass.
• Rhinoceroses defecate in the same spot, on top of the old dung. They do this so that other rhinoceroses can smell who is nearby.

Meet the rhinoceroses on the Savannah.