By 1920 it was claimed that only 20 white rhino were left in South Africa, all of them confined to parks in Natal - now know as Kwazulu Natal. By approximately 1970, they surpassed the 1000 mark. They are now found in a number of parks in South Africa.

The white rhino is the second largest land animal. They have a long pre-history and probably existed in their current form for many millions of years. They are a bulky animal with a pronounced hump of the neck. The head is carried low and the front horn is noticeably longer than the rear one. they are grey to dark grey. Although they are called "white" rhino, this really has nothing to do with their colour. The most accepted explanation for the name is that the word "wydmond" (meaning "wide mouth") became "white rhino".

The white rhino is a grazer with a broad square muzzle - unlike the browsing black rhino which has a prehensile upper lip used for stripping leaves from branches. The white rhino is not as aggressive as the black rhino - in fact is is a placid, even-tempered animal.

Rhino mark their territories and defecate in the same spot, creating a large dung heap, called a midden.

The gestation period is usually about 18 months. One calf is usually born, with twins being very rare. the birth mass is about 18 kilograms. the calf suckles for about 18 months. Rhino live for about 40-50 years, reaching sexual maturity at between 5-7 years of age. The white rhino calf usually runs slightly ahead of its mother. The bond between mother and calf is extremely strong, with both defending each other fiercely should trouble arise.

White rhino have no real natural enemies other than man! Stray calves could fall prey to larger predators, but a healthy, full-grown rhino is more than a maqtch for a lion.

Come and see them in real life with L&J Tours! For more information, contact Judy at : judy@haps.co.za