White Rhinoceros

Rhinos are one of the largest land animals in the world.  Along with elephants and hippos they are called pachyderms.  This name means “hard skin” and it refers to the animal’s thick, tough hide.  Rhinos have 1 or 2 horns on their noses.  These horns are made out of keratin which is the material in our fingernails.  Even by rhino standards, White Rhinos are huge.

Physical Description

White Rhinos are enormous animals.  They can reach 13 feet in length and weigh more than 5,000 pounds.  They are grayish in color, have a long body, short, thick legs and a massive head with 2 horns.  The front horn can reach 6 feet in length and the back horn can grow to more than a foot in length.

Family Life

White Rhino mothers normally have just 1 baby called a calf.  The calf can follow its mother after only 3 days.  This calf stays close by her side.  The mother rhino will stand over her calf if danger approaches.  After 2 to 3 years the mother rhino drives her calf away to live life on its own.  Unlike other rhinos, White Rhinos sometimes form small herds of up to 7 animals.

Diet

Grasses and other plant matter