Photo of Fort Worth Zoo Asian Rhino courtesy of Brent A. Thale

Asian Rhino Picture gallery

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Find out more about the Asian Rhinos

 

Name: Greater One-Horned Asian Rhino (historically called the Indian rhino)

Scientific name: Rhinoceros unicornis

Range: Two primary protected areas hold the remaining wild populations; about 450 in Chitwan Park in Nepal and 1200 in Kaziranga Park in Assam, India. Formerly ranging through much of South East Asia, these animals are now confined to the tall grasslands and riverine forests of the Himalayan foothills.

Habitat: Open and lightly wooded grassland

Status: One of the world most endangered animals, only about 2000 remain in zoos and the wild.

Diet in the wild: grasses, leaves, as well as random fruits and seeds.  These animals do not eat meat.  They are herbivores

Diet in the zoo:  Browse, grasses, fruits and seeds.

Location in the zoo: Asian Falls

Physical description:  Generally solitary. Males fight for dominance with razor sharp lower incisors, rather than their horns. Large skin folds around vital areas (neck, genitals, legs) protect critical body parts from serious bite injuries. Can run up to 35 miles per hour in short bursts. They spend much of their day in ponds, streams or mud wallows keeping cool. They defecate in common spots called latrines, sometimes making large rows of manure.

General information: Male dominance is determined by the size and sharpness of the lower incisor teeth rather that by body size or horn size.

Asian Rhino Species Survival Plan: There are now 47 one-horned rhinos in North American housed in 16 zoos. Two of these are at the Fort Worth Zoo. The Fort Worth Zoo is a participant in the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for the Greater One-Horned Asian Rhino (Indian Rhino).

Comments about the rhinos of the Fort Worth Zoo. The Asian rhinos at the Fort Worth Zoo have a pond, water fall, and plenty of room to roam around.  They seem to enjoy playing in the water with their big metal cans.

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