Eastern black rhinoceros

Eastern Africa

This species is listed as endangered and trade of is prohibited by international law. The primary cause of population decline is hunting; rhino horn made into dagger handles is a symbol of wealth in many countries. Contrary to popular opinion, the horn is not consumed primarily as an aphrodisiac; only small amounts are used for this purpose. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Eastern Black Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan®, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Eastern black rhinos inhabit transitional zones between grasslands and forests, generally in thick thorn bush or acacia scrub. However, they may also be found in more open country.

As a herbivorous browser, the black rhino eats leafy plants as well as branches, shoots, thorny wood bushes and fruit. Rhino skin harbors many external parasites, which are eaten by tickbirds and egrets that live with the rhino. Young are preyed upon by hyenas. These solitary animals are more nocturnal than diurnal. Females are not territorial; their ranges vary according to food supply. Males are more aggressive in defending turf, but will tolerate properly submissive male intruders.

Mating is non-seasonal, but births peak toward the end of the rainy season in drier habitats. Gestation is 15-16 months, after which single young are born weighing about 85 pounds. These calves are active soon after birth and can follow mother after about three days. Eastern black rhinos mature at five years.

• Thick, layered skin protects rhinos from sharp grasses and thorns. Thick, padded soles on their feet absorb shock and cushion legs.
• A prehensile upper lip helps in foraging and browsing.
• Large ears can rotate to pick up sounds from many directions.
• Horns used for defense and possibly display.
• The eastern black rhino's aggressive disposition discourages predators. They tend to charge first and investigate later.

A Rhino Tribute for Endangered Species Day For Endangered Species Day, Curator of Mammals Mark Kamhout reflects on the privilege of working with one of the zoo’s more endangered—and imposing—species: black rhinos.

What Keeps a Rhino from Sleeping? How do black rhinos sleep in the wild? Scientist Rachel Santymire catches up on their Zs with help from camera traps in South Africa's Addo Elephant National Park.

Helping Rhinos Together President and CEO Kevin Bell returns from an International Rhino Foundation board meeting to share facts on rhino poaching—and how zoos conserve these amazing animals.

Animals Eat the Skyline at Chi-Cow-Go The zoo celebrated Chicago’s 175th birthday with a bovine bash. The fun kicked off with the unveiling of a redesigned "Cows on Parade" statue before moving to the rest of the zoo with Chicago-themed animal enrichment.

Keeper Close-Ups To wrap up National Zookeeper Week, we wanted to share some favorite photos we’ve taken of Lincoln Park Zoo’s wonderful keepers over the years.