I love rhino’s! In spite of their large and intimidating stature they are so vulnerable and gentle, and extremely sensitive to their environment. Very gentle giants! Rhinos are one of the largest land mammals alive after Elephants. They have existed on Earth for over 50 million years and once roamed through North America and Europe as well as Asia and Africa. Of the species that remain today, three are critically endangered. The White Rhino is the largest species of Rhino and South Africa is home to over 80% of the Rhino population.

The Rhino is a member of the “Big Five” – what were considered to be the most dangerous animals by colonial hunters, namely Leopard, Elephant, Lion, Buffalo and Rhino. Today however Big Five sightings are what draw many of the tourists to Africa. The rarest of its members is the Rhino which is now confined to protected reserves.

White Rhino are not white but grey, and the name is thought to be a misinterpretation of the Afrikaans word “weit” meaning wide in reference to their square shaped mouth which helps them graze. The Black Rhino is slightly smaller than the White Rhino. It is a browser and has a pointed lip that is specially adapted for pulling leaves off branches.

Very precious animals! Sadly human greed is destroying their very existence on this earth!