Blog

The White Rhino: Majestic Giants of the African Savanna

Posted on Wed July 17, 2019.

White rhinos are large herbivorous mammals native to Africa. They are known for their massive size, with adults weighing up to 2.3 tons or more. Despite their name, white rhinos are not actually white; their name is thought to be a mispronunciation of the Afrikaans word "wyd," which means "wide," referring to their broad mouths.

There are two main subspecies of white rhinos: the Southern white rhino and the critically endangered Northern white rhino. The Southern white rhino population, once close to extinction, has seen a rebound due to conservation efforts, although it still requires protection. Unfortunately, the Northern white rhino is on the brink of extinction, with only a few individuals remaining and efforts being made to save the species through artificial reproduction techniques.

White rhinos are known for their gentle and social nature. They primarily feed on grasses and use their wide mouths to graze. Their horns, often a cause for poaching, are made of keratin and have unfortunately led to their decline due to demand in illegal markets. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.

Read More