RHINO AT MALAMALA GAME RESERVE

Family Rhinocerotidae Mass 3500 kg / 7717 lbs Height 160 cm / 63 inches Speed 45 km/h / 28 mph Potential longevity 45 years Gestation period 18 months Record length of front horn 158 cm / 62 inches Record length of rear horn 56 cm / 22 inches

Also known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, the white rhino has a wide mouth perfectly adapted to a life of grazing. Its thick set body is covered by a tough leathery skin. The most distinctive feature of the rhino is the presence of 2 horns on the snout. These horns are composed of a protein which is similar to that of our own hair. It is ironic then that these majestic animals have been rendered almost extinct for their horns. "Rhino horn" serves a variety of purposes which include dagger hilts, tribal medicines and aphrodisiacs. If it were not for the valiant efforts of conservationists in the early 20th century, the white rhino may easily have been poached out of existence. Today about 110 white rhino find sanctuary on the Mala Mala Game Reserve. Guests are often privileged to view these animals with an average 3 sightings being recorded daily. Family groups of 2 - 5 individuals are protected by a dominant bull who defends his cows against other intruding bulls.

A number of fixed latrine sites known as rhino middens demarcate a bull's territory.After a gestation period of approximately 480 days, a single 40 kg calf is born. Unlike their close relatives, the black rhinoceros, a white rhinoceros calf walks in front of its mother.