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Leaf by leaf
'Black rhinoceros eat an average of 24 kilos of leaes, twigs and tree bark every day, which they gather using their pointed lip and horn and grind down with their large molars.'
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
savannahs, forests and arid regions in southern Africa
Diet:
leaves, twigs and shoots
Age:
30–35 years
Weight:
Female: 900 kg; male: 1,350 kg
Offspring:
1 young
Gestation period:
15 to 17 months
To see:
On walking safaris, game drives, bus safaris and boat safaris
IUCN Status:
Critically Endangered
EEP:
Yes
About the black rhinoceros
The black rhinoceros is one of the two African rhinoceros species and is found on the savannahs of East and Central Africa. The black rhinoceros is threatened with extinction because poachers hunt it for its horn. It is estimated that there are around 5,500 black rhinoceroses left. The black rhinoceros has thick, grey skin. It has a pointed upper lip which enables it to grasp branches and leaves with ease. This is also where it gets its name from. The black rhinoceros is slightly smaller and weighs less than the southern white rhinoceros. There are four subspecies of the black rhinoceros, of which three are still extant, namely: the south-western black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis), the western black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis longipes)†, the eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) and the south-central black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis minor).
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Meet Banji!
Big news from the park: the black rhinoceros calf has been born. Wonderful news for the protection and conservation of this species.
This summer holiday, Beekse Bergen is putting a special focus on rhinos. Visit Rhino Square, find out all about Banji and his species, hop aboard the Rhino River or join the Rhino Road Ranger Walk. These special activities are only available this summer.
Come and visit BanjiDiscover the story behind this special birth
Discover the storyHabitat and threats
The black rhinoceros lives in savannahs and open woodland areas south of the Sahara. Here, it feeds mainly on grass and travels long distances in search of food and water. Despite conservation measures, the species remains under threat. Poaching for the illegal rhino trade and habitat loss are the greatest threats to the survival of the black rhinoceros.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Beekse Bergen works with about 325 European zoos to conserve these species. Through management programs (EEPs)we ensure healthy reserve populations. Together, we form the European Association of Zoos (EAZA).
The black rhinoceros at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator maintains a pedigree of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator gives advice on which animals are allowed to have cubs together. Sometimes that means moving an black rhinoceros to another zoo. This way we increase the chance of healthy cubs and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.