What is built like a tank, has thick skin, and can run up to 35 mph when threatened? Did anyone guess a rhinoceros? The second largest land mammal on the planet, rhinoceroses are also known as pachyderms, meaning “thick-skinned.” Elephants, hippopotamuses and pigs are also considered pachyderms.

Today, we will specifically focus on the southern white rhinoceros. They are one of the two subspecies of white rhinos. The other being the nearly extinct northern white rhino, of which only two females remain alive today. Southern white rhinos have the largest population of rhino throughout the species at around twenty thousand members. They are still considered threatened due to habitat loss and poaching. Southern white rhinos are found in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. They have square-shaped lips that are perfect for grazing in the savannas and grasslands they inhabit. When threatened, these flesh and blood tanks can charge at speeds up to 35 mph.

Male and female southern white rhinos can be told apart by their size and horn structure. As the largest rhino species, females weigh in at around 3500 punds, whereas males can easily reach 5000 pounds. Also, their horns differentiate by length and width. Males will have a thicker, but shorter front horn while females will have a longer and skinnier horn. These horns are made from keratin, just like our fingernails and hair. Females will mainly live together with their young, while the males will set up territories and stay more solitary. When breeding season arrives, the females can migrate through these territories freely. Females will have one calf every two to three years, with a gestational period of 16 months.

We are truly lucky to house three of these amazing animals at the Zoo. One of which, our male, is the second oldest living southern white rhino in captivity! He turned 52 this year and can be seen lounging with our two females in African Loop. The three spend most of their time eating and sleeping, but occasionally you can witness them sparring with each other in the cooler days. Another pastime of our rhinos is wallowing in the moats throughout the exhibit. Daily, you can catch one of these silly rhinos rolling around in the mud, completely covering their bodies. Come by and spend some time with these incredible tanks of the animal kingdom.