News and Stories

What if monitoring rhinoceros health did not always require a needle?

At CREW, Dr. Shauni Windle is leading a new study as part of the Rhino Signature Project to test whether saliva and nasal fluid (yes, snot!) can be used to monitor rhino health.

Just like people, rhinos can experience a range of health issues, from gastrointestinal concerns to dental disease. Understanding what is happening inside the body is essential for providing the best care possible, and blood samples remain one of the most valuable tools for doing just that. At the same time, researchers are exploring whether additional sample types could offer useful insight in a wider range of situations.

To answer that question, the team is collecting saliva and nasal samples using soft, gentle swabs (similar to those designed for children) from black, white, and greater one-horned rhinos. When possible, these are paired with blood samples, allowing for direct comparison between sample types.

Over the past few months, Shauni has been traveling to partner zoos to deliver supplies and begin the first round of collections. Keepers and veterinary teams have been enthusiastic about the project, and the rhinos have been curious and, in many cases, very willing participants (See Mr. Letterman from Louisville Zoo accepting a peppermint for his open-mouth behavior!)

Collecting saliva and nasal samples often fits naturally into the positive interactions that already take place between rhinos and their care teams. A quick swab can be incorporated into a training session, making the process simple and low stress.

Blood collection, including for this project, remains an important and carefully trained behavior. Rhinos voluntarily participate by positioning themselves so keepers can safely access a vein, typically near the foot or along the leg. These moments require time, consistency, and trust—and if a rhino is not interested that day, that choice is respected.

The next step is to analyze these samples and measure key indicators of health. By comparing saliva, nasal fluid, and blood results, the team hopes to determine how well these different sample types reflect what is happening inside the body.

If successful, this approach could provide an additional way to monitor rhino health. This new approach is definitely not something to turn our noses up at!

Despite a few bumps in the road, or a flat tire in one case, and a few rhinos that declined to participate on the scheduled date – the Rhino Team is pleased with the early progress and is excited to see what comes next!

This project was funded by a grant from the International Rhino Foundation.