
White rhinoceros
Latin name: Ceratotherium simum
A Different Method of Freshening Up!
- It is the only animal that wears its horns on its nose; made of keratin, the first one is always longer than the second one. It is used to dig up the soil, but also for defense purposes.
- To care for its skin, the white rhinoceros takes clay baths! Once dry, it provides a protective shield against insect bites and the hot sunrays.
- Contrary to its lumbering appearance, the rhinoceros is capable of quick acceleration, even with its average weigh of two tons: up to 40 km/hr!
- The three toes on each foot leave a print reminiscent of an "ace of clubs" on the ground. Its hearing is extremely sharp thanks to the mobility of its ears, compensating for a weak eyesight.
- The numerous virtues granted its horn in traditional Asian medicine render the rhinoceros highly vulnerable to poaching activities.
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Distribution
Central and southern Africa
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Habitat
Savannahs
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Diet
Herbivore
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Status
Near threatened
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Zoo Zone
Africa