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SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO

Ceratotherium simum simum

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DESCRIPTION

White Rhino are one of the heaviest land animals in the world. Colouration is yellowish brown to slate grey. They produce 2 horns on their snout, made from keratin which can grow up to 1.8 meters in length. White rhino have a distinct flat broad mouth for grazing. All rhinos have poor eyesight but good hearing and a good sense of smell

 

DIET

The Southern white rhino is a herbivore with a primarily grassy diet. It grazes on a variety of grasses, using its wide, square-shaped mouth to efficiently consume large quantities. While grasses make up the bulk of their diet, they may also eat some shrubs or woody plants when necessary, particularly in areas where grass is scarce. Rhinos are low-selective feeders, meaning they tend to consume whatever grass is available, preferring younger, softer grass but able to tolerate coarser varieties.

 

ENDANGERMENT STATUS

The Southern white rhino is classified as Near Threatened. Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, its population has rebounded from fewer than 100 individuals in the early 20th century to over 18,000 today. This recovery is largely attributed to strict anti-poaching measures, habitat protection, and successful breeding programs. However, the species still faces significant threats, primarily from poaching for their horns and habitat loss due to human activity, making ongoing conservation efforts crucial for their continued survival.

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OUR ANIMAL FAMILY
ANIMAL FACTS

SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO

GROUP NAME

Crash

Native To

Southern Africa

SIZE

up to 3,600 kg

BABY NAME

Calf

Habitat

The Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) inhabits the savannas, grasslands, and woodlands of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. These areas provide abundant grasses for grazing and access to water for drinking and wallowing, essential for cooling and skin protection. Found in regions with seasonal rainfall, their habitats include open plains and scattered trees that support their grazing lifestyle. Protected reserves and national parks are vital for conserving these environments and safeguarding the species from threats like habitat loss and poaching, ensuring the rhinos can thrive in their native Southern African range.

Did You Know?

The Southern white rhino is that they can weigh up to 2,500 kg that's heavier than a car! Despite their massive size, they can run surprisingly fast, reaching speeds of 50 km/h . This combination of sheer weight and surprising speed makes them incredibly powerful and agile for their size, and it’s a sight to behold when they move across the plains at full speed!

Not Actually "White" - Despite their name, white rhinos are not white. The name comes from the Dutch word "wijde," meaning "wide," referring to their broad, square-shaped mouths, rather than the colour of their skin.

Speedy for size - Despite their massive size, they can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph) over short distances.

Great listeners - They have excellent hearing and can detect sounds from a distance, helping them stay alert to predators or threats.

Thick skin - Their skin can be up to 5 cm thick, protecting them from sunburn and parasites, but they often wallow in mud to cool down.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

With a fiery orange coat, you’d think golden lion tamarins would stand out in the green canopy, but they remain incredibly elusive, blending seamlessly with the light and shadows of the dense foliage.

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RING-TAILED LEMUR

Ring Tiled Lemurs 'sun worship' which means they face their tummies to the sun and stretch their arms out wide to warm themselves up.

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PLAINS ZEBRA

Zebras are a highly social species, living in complex social systems. See zebra herds in NSW at Mogo Wildlife Park and Hunter Valley Wildlife Park

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TIGER (SUMATRAN TIGER)

You'll find Tigers living in a wide variety of habitats; tropical lowland evergreen forest, mountain forest, woodlands, tall grass jungle to dry thorn forest. Tigers cope with a broad range of climatic variation but prefer to hunt in dense vegetation.

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SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO

Jabari is a true gentle giant, combining immense strength and a calm demeanour. After a refreshing roll in the mud wallows, his playful and energetic side really comes to life.

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LION

Twin male lion cubs Kion and Duke bring double the fun during playtime. Always curious, they constantly try to pounce on Mum and Dad or practice their hunting skills on each other.

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SILVERY GIBBON

Silvery Gibbons are a seriously endangered species , Mogo Zoo is proud to be involved in a Breeding Program which has managed to produce offspring

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Meerkats

Meerkats have a complex social structure where each meerkat has a role to play within the mob.

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Red Panda

Red Pandas are predominantly nocturnal or crepuscular animals. They live in trees, making them arboreal.

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WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA

The unmistakable bond between Grandma Kriba and baby Kaius since his reintroduction into the gorilla family has marked a significant milestone and a heartwarming journey for all to witness.

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Cheetah

This large and slender cheetah is distributed across more than 25 African countries, boasting a population of around 12,000.

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Binturong

Binturongs, with their prehensile tails, dark fur, and mysterious demeanor, appear almost mythical, evoking a sense of enchantment and intrigue.

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SIAMANG GIBBON

Siamang Gibbons are territorial and actively defend their home ranges, with territories overlapping with other primate species.

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Spotted Hyena

The Spotted Hyena has a spotted coat and is the largest of the four hyena species

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