San Diego Zoo and Safari Park are home to three species of rhinos – the white rhino, the black rhino, and the greater one-horned rhino. These magnificent creatures are a sight to behold, and their conservation efforts at the zoo are truly inspiring.

White Rhinos at San Diego Zoo

The white rhino is the largest of the five rhino species and can weigh up to 5,000 pounds (2,300 kilograms). They have a wide mouth, perfect for grazing on grasses. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has been successful in breeding white rhinos, with over 100 calves born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. However, the zoo population is no longer self-sustaining due to limited reproduction in females born at the institution and others across the globe. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conservation workers are working on this problem, with efforts underway to formulate improved diets for white rhinos in zoos that will maintain their reproductive health.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species lists black rhinos as Critically Endangered and southern white rhinos as Near Threatened. Northern white rhinos are extinct in the wild, and only two adult females are left on Earth. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is working with partners around the globe to save the northern white rhino from extinction by developing innovative techniques for assisted reproduction.

Black Rhinos at San Diego Zoo

Black rhinos and white rhinos are the same color—a brownish gray. Both live in eastern and southern Africa but eat different foods. The wide mouth of the white rhino is perfect for grazing on grasses. The more narrow, prehensile lip of the black rhino is great for pulling leaves and shrubs into its mouth.

Greater One-horned Rhinos at San Diego Zoo

Greater one-horned rhinos were among the original animal species at the Safari Park when it opened to the public in 1972. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. They are native to the humid, swampy areas of Northeast India and Nepal. All rhinos enjoy a good soak in the mud, but for greater one-horned rhinos, this helps them get through times of high humidity, when insects can be a problem. Plus, that cool mud feels so good! Rhinos may often share a wallowing spot without any fighting, as if it’s neutral ground.

Adopting and Donating to Support San Diego Zoo’s Rhinos

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance offers a $1,000 Rhino Adoption package, which includes a soft 12″ Rhino plush, a 5″ x 7″ Rhino Adoption card, a backpack, a beach towel, a thermos, and a limited edition San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance water bottle. Your symbolic adoption is helping save critically endangered northern white rhinos.

References:
– San Diego Zoo Safari Park – African Rhinos
– San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Greater One-Horned Rhino
– San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Rhino
– San Diego Zoo Science – White Rhino
– San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance – Adopt a Rhino