Rhino horns are made of keratin, just like human fingernails and hair.
Rhinos have a mutualistic relationship with birds. Birds will perch on the rhinos back and feed on the parasites that can be found on the rhino’s skin and will alert rhinos when there is a sign of danger.
Rhinos have extremely poor eyesight, but amazing sense of smell and hearing.
Challenges in the Wild
Poaching: Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are then used in traditional Asian medicines or for ornamental use.
Habitat loss: Rhinos are losing their habitat due to logging, agriculture and urban development.
Dallas Zoo Saving Rhinos
At the start of the 20th century there were 500,000 rhinos in the wild; today only 29,500 remain. An estimated three rhinos lose their lives to poaching every day. At the Dallas Zoo, we are on a mission to protect this iconic animal. We are working to save black rhinos in the wild by helping translocate them from areas vulnerable to poaching, to safer areas within the Kingdom of Eswatini. In addition, the Dallas Zoo’s American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) chapter runs two annual fundraisers, Bowling for Rhinos and Sailing for Rhinos. Money raised at these events goes directly to in situ rhino conservation areas in Africa and Asia.
You Can Help Save Rhinos in the Wild
Buy a Dallas Zoo membership to help save rhinos in the wild.
Poaching: Rhinos are poached for their horns, which are then used in traditional Asian medicines or for ornamental use.
