9 Facts About Rhinos For World Rhino Day

September 22 is World Rhino Day; a day to celebrate these magnificent creatures and raise awareness for conservation for these critically endangered animals.

Here are 9 amazing facts about the world’s second largest land mammal!

1. There are five different species of Rhino. They are the Black Rhino, White Rhino, Indian Rhino, Sumatran Rhino and the Javan Rhino.
2. While all species of rhino can weigh over a ton, the White Rhino is the largest of the five. An adult White Rhino can tip the scales at nearly 8,000 pounds!
3. Rhinos can grow to be over six feet tall and reach 11 feet in length.
4. Despite their size, rhinos can run incredibly fast. Some have been clocked at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour!
5. Rhinoceros skin is very thick, some as much as 2 inches thick.
6. Rhinos cannot sweat and have to stay near water and roll around in mud and dust to keep cool. It also protects against biting insects.
7. A group of rhinoceros is called a “Crash”.
8. A rhino’s horn is made of keratin. That is the same type of protein that makes up hair and fingernails.
9. Rhinos have notoriously bad eyesight, but make up for it with an excellent sense of smell and hearing.

Learn more about World Rhino Day.