Black Rhino

Transport yourself into the heart of Africa right here in Yorkshire! 'Into Africa!' will immerse you with unrivalled 365 degree views of the African plains including the incredible 3-acre Black Rhino reserves.

Status

Critically endangered
Size

Up to 1,350 kg
Distribution

Kenya & Tanzania
Diet

Herbivore

'Into Africa!' is home 4 Eastern Black Rhinos, Jasper, Makibo and Najuma - who gave birth to an adorable male calf, Rocco, in January of 2024!

Where in the park?

Visit Into Africa!

Species

The name Rhinoceros means ‘nose horn’. It comes from the Greek words rhino (nose) and ceros (horn).

Black Rhinoceros have been illegally poached to the brink of extinction due to the demand for their horn, numbers have declined by over 90% over the last three generations.

Did you know?

Black Rhinos can run up to 40 miles per hour! They also have poor eyesight and cannot easily detect an observer standing more than 30 metres away. They do, however, have an excellent sense of smell and hearing.

Breeding

The gestation period (the time between conception and birth) for a female Black Rhino is a very long 15 to 16 months!

Population

Eastern Black Rhinos are the rarest of the three remaining subspecies. Between 1970 and 1992, their population declined by 96% to 2,300 from a devastating period of poaching for their horns which are used to make ornaments as well as for herbal medicine. Demand for Rhino horn is unfortunately still rising. However, thanks to global conservation and anti-poaching efforts, Black Rhino numbers have steadily risen to around 6,400 individuals. The ever important European Breeding Programme currently holds around 100 individuals in various wildlife parks and zoos.