Diceros bicornis

Location in the Zoo: African Savanna

Rhinos are sometimes not visible to the public in colder weather because they may choose warmer behind-the-scenes areas.

Black rhinoceroses communicate their territory with other animals by scent marking, grunting, and snorting. The two horns of the black rhinoceros are made entirely of keratin, the same material that makes up our fingernails. Rhinos were thought to have poor eyesight, but recent studies have proven this false. Black rhinos do have a great sense of smell and hearing, using scent as a primary form of communication.

Female rhinos give birth to a single calf after a 15-month gestation. Babies stay with their mothers until two or three years of age, which is when the mother will typically have another calf.

This animal is an endangered species because of poaching. Rhino horns are used for dagger handles and traditional medicines, although there is no scientific evidence that the horn has any medicinal powers.