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Skin care
'The southern white rhinoceros take mud baths to protect their skin from the sun and insects. Oxpeckers help rhinos by pecking ticks and other parasites out of their skin and eating them.'
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
savannah in southern and eastern Africa
Diet:
grass
Age:
45–50 years
Weight:
Female: 1,700 kg; male: 2,300 kg
Offspring:
1 young
Gestation period:
16 months
To see:
Along the walking safari and boat safari routes
IUCN Status:
Sensitive
EEP:
Yes
About the Southern white rhinoceros
The southern white rhinoceros is the second heaviest land animal in the world. Only the elephant weighs more. It is the largest of all rhinoceros species. This species is found in four countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The southern white rhinoceros is distinguished from the other African rhinoceros species by its broad mouth. The white rhinoceros has two subspecies: the northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) and the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). In 2018, the last male northern white rhinoceros died, leaving only two females of this species remaining in the world. The southern white rhinoceros, by contrast, is classified as ‘vulnerable’ in terms of its conservation status. There are still more than 20,000 of these rhinoceroses.
Habitat and threats
The southern white rhinoceros inhabits 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 southern white 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 Southern white 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 white 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.