The story of the Rhinoceros

#KeWildlife – Story 5 

Allow us to use your mind for a moment. 

You are on a safari. The sun sets in the horizon and the red and orange colours have permitted the sky to look like an artist’s masterpiece. In the distance, right by a lone Acacia tree is a black-grey large animal standing silently. The wind rustles the leaves above its head and in that moment, there is complete serenity. 

Wonderful, wasn’t it? 

Standing at 170cm and weighing approximately 1,400 kgs, it’s no wonder the Black Rhino is one of our most outstanding animals. Having coined the term ‘Rhinoceros’ from the Greek word ‘Rhino’ to mean ‘nose’ and ‘ceros’ meaning ‘horns’, this large mammal is probably most unique for its facial features. The black rhino has two horns; one that sit above its mouth and the other between its ears. 

But let’s go back to this animal’s weight – black rhinos run on their toes, which essentially goes to show their ability to carry a lot of mass. Even more interesting is the fact that a rhino can charge at 55kph if it senses something that leaves it uncomfortable. That’s a powerful tackle! 

There are five types of rhino and the black rhino is the third largest of the bunch. Furthermore, the black rhino is actually a shade of dark grey and not black as its name suggests. One thing we’re certain of is that its exact colour can be spotted better up close but keep the thought that these mammals have excellent hearing but horrible eyesight, so if you aren’t careful, you could be past tense in a matter of seconds. 

The black rhino’s lifespan averages between 30 and 50 years. These rhinos aren’t known to be as proactive as scavengers but they do love a good dose of plant nutrients and can eat up to 220 plant species throughout their life. They’re most commonly found eating branches, shoots and sometimes the plant’s fruit. 

Kenya’s oldest black rhino, Solio, died at 42 of old age at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. She is definitely a rhino to remember because she was one of the few that didn’t fall to poaching. Speaking of poaching, Kenya’s black rhinos are critically endangered! Poachers are often after their horns that are then shipped to other countries where there is the common belief that they can cure certain illness. Needless to say, the hunger to claim these horns has resulted in a major population decline throughout Africa, and it is upon us to rally with the organizations such as Save The Rhino International to save this animal. 

Back to the sunset we took your mind to earlier…. need to see that in real life? Black rhinos at Aberdare National Park, Tsavo East National Park and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.