OVERVIEW
The white rhino is a species of rhino primarily found in South Africa, as well as Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. They are the world's second largest land mammal, only behind the elephant. Uncommonly referred to as the square-lipped rhinoceros, they have a squared upper lip and very little hair. Northern white rhinos and southern white rhinos are genetically separate subspecies, and are found in two different regions of Africa. The southern white rhinoceros in particular was thought to be extinct in the late 19th century, but in 1895 a small population of less than 100 individuals was found in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
DID YOU KNOW?
- White rhinos can communicate vocally, using a wide range of sounds from calf squeaking to snarling or wailing from adults.
- White rhinos are surprisingly agile and can run very fast - up to 40km per hour for short distances.
