Southern White Rhinoceros
Ceratotherium simum
Distribution:
South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
Habitat:
Savannah, plains, grasslands.
Diet:
Grasses and other vegetation.
Gestation:
550 days, one calf born
Longevity:
30 - 35 years in the wild, 35 - 40 years in captivity.
Predators:
Humans; hyenas and lion may attack calves
Conservation Status:
Near Threatened
General:
Southern white rhinos are one of the largest and heaviest land animals in the world. They have an immense body and large head, a short neck and broad chest.
Whilst rhinos communicate vocally, using a wide range of sounds including snarling, wailing and squeaking. Non-verbal communication is also used, particularly during breeding courtship.
Southern white rhinos are mainly social animals. They aggregate in small herds that consists of females and juvenile calves. Male usually remain solitary.
Fun fact: There is no difference in the skin colour of white and black rhinos, despite their names.
At Hamilton Zoo:
We have six rhino in our herd at Hamilton Zoo, who are hard to miss, with a large habitat right at the top of the zoo. Though often our keepers and vet team may be doing training/check-ups with our rhinos in their dens, so if you don't see them at first make sure to circle back before you leave for the day.
Males:
Kruger - 20/10/89
Samburu - 28/06/16
Females:
Moesha - 20/10/94
Kito - 26/6/00
Imani - 28/06/16
Zahra - 12/3/20
Samburu and Zahra are the offspring of Kruger and Kito.
Hamilton’s white rhino breeding programme has been exceptionally successful with seven rhinos born at the zoo since 2002!