Indian Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros unicornis

With thick folds in its bumpy skin, the Indian rhino looks as if it is wearing a suit of armor. Despite their tough skin, they are still susceptible to sunburn and biting insects. A good romp in the mud helps protect the skin. A megaherbivore, the Indian rhino is as big as a tank and grazes on tall grasses. Like other rhinos, it has poor vision but excellent senses of hearing and smell. The Indian rhino sports just one horn on the tip of its nose. Unfortunately, rhinos are hunted for their horns as some cultures believe the horns have healing properties.

A group of rhinos is called a crash.
When startled, the rhino will charge at up to 30 miles per hour.
A rhino horn can be more than three feet long, though it is usually only about a foot.

Fact File

Pronunciation: ri-NOS-er-us
Height: 5 to 6 ft
Weight: 3,300 to 4,850 lbs
Lifespan: Up to 45 years
Habitat: Grassy wetlands
Diet: Grasses, bamboo shoots, and aquatic plants
Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Endangered)

Indian Rhinos In Action

Rhinos on Video

What's in a Name?:

The word rhinoceros comes from the Greek words, rhino (nose) and ceros (horn).

Range:

Northern India and Nepal

Rhino Reproduction

Natural breeding of Indian rhinos in zoos has been difficult. Scientists at the Zoo’s Lindner Center for Conservation and Research (CREW) are developing an artificial insemination technique to enhance captive breeding.

Rhino Rembrandts

Using their semi-prehensile lips, the Zoo’s rhinos, our very own Rhino Rembrandts, create one-of-a-kind original paintings. By purchasing a painting, you will be supporting rhino conservation worldwide. Order form