Rhinos
You’re invited to experience an exciting, enriching and magical adventure of a lifetime! The Southern White Rhinoceros, an iconic symbol of wildlife conservation, is here for you to meet and admire. Our team is passionate about sharing the stories of these incredible animals, from their history to the challenges they continue to face in the wild today. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and learn how each of us can contribute to conservation efforts worldwide!
Our Rhinos
Monterey Zoo’s “Insert Rhino” habitat is in fact a world-class, “zoological award winning”, multi-species Africa Savanah Exhibit that features our very new and exciting Southern White Rhinos. Southern White Rhinos are one of the largest heaviest land mammals in the world. Females can grow to approx. 3750 lbs. while males can grow to approx. 5000+ lbs. They have two horns, the front averaging approx. 3+ft. in length as adults with the possibility of growing up to 5+ft on the larger animals. They are easily identified by their very wide front lips, evolved to accommodate their grazing technique to feed.
Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum)
The Southern White Rhino is one of two subspecies of white rhino (Southern white and Northern white) and is the most common and widespread subspecies of rhinoceros. Unfortunately, the Northern white rhino is destined for extinction with only two elderly females remaining in the wild. Scroll down to learn how you can help assure that doesn’t happen to one of the five remaining species or rhino!
Diet
Southern White Rhinos are strictly herbivores that feed on short grasses however in captivity, we feed them select hays and formulated pellets (rhino pellets) to achieve the healthy and balanced diet they require.
Facts
Height: 5+-6+ feet to the shoulder (average)
Lifespan: 40 to 50 years
Conservation Status
Sadly humans pose by far the greatest threat to rhinos. They have suffered from intensive hunting and poaching for their horns that some cultures believe to have a medicinal value. Modern medicine disputes this theory as the horn is made of nothing other than karatin, the same protein which forms the basis of our hair and nails. Although the Southern White Rhino is listed as near threatened with the ICUN, it’s sub-species, the Northern White Rhino is now facing eminent extinction as here are only two elderly females remaining on the planet and the only remaining elderly male died in March of 2018.
Monterey Zoo very PROUDLY partners with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) to raise much needed funds for plight of rhinos worldwide. IRF is well known and respected by many if not all zoological institutions for the tremendous work they do for the five remaining species of rhinos, both Asian and African. We invite all Monterey Zoo donors to help us with this effort by making a donation directly to IRF by clicking on this link. If wasn’t that long ago we lost the Northern White Rhino forever, one of the eight species we started with. PLEASE, help us make sure we don’t lose another…
Did You Know?
The white rhino received its name accidentally, as it was supposed to be called a “wide” mouthed rhino due to its very wide mouth. Mispronunciations over the years led to its being called a “white” rhino. Upon the discovery of the other African species of rhino, it was deemed a “Black Rhino” to simply set it apart from the white. It’s mouth is much different with a very narrow lip. The names of either have nothing to do with their actual color which is variations of brown and grey, depending on the layer of mud they adorn themselves with.
Rhino Habitat
Step into the Rhino Habitat and immerse yourself in the world of these amazing animals! Here, you’ll get to see where rhinos roam, live, and play, all while having the opportunity to learn about their habits and the importance of conservation. Bring your family along for an unforgettable experience that combines education with the thrill of seeing rhinos up close. Make your visit truly memorable with us! Be sure to check out our continuing Habitat Improvements also!
Zoo Map