By SALINA POST
The Rolling Hills Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of a magnificent male southern white rhino to the zoo. Kengele, whose name means "bell" in Swahili, moved from The Wilds in southeastern Ohio, a research and conservation center affiliated with the Columbus Zoo.
Turning 26 on June 9, Kengele and Evey, the zoo's female southern white rhino, will continue the ongoing efforts to sustain the southern white rhino population, underscoring the zoo's commitment to preserve and protect this incredible species. Currently, southern white rhinos are classified as near-threatened due to habitat loss and poaching of rhinos for their horns.
"We are beyond excited to welcome Kengele to our zoo family," said Brenda Gunder, Rolling Hills Zoo Curator. "His addition to our rhino population provides a wonderful opportunity for our guests to learn about the critical conservation efforts needed to protect these majestic animals. Kengele's unique personality and impressive presence will undoubtedly make him a favorite among visitors."
White rhinos populations are decreasing primarily due to poaching losses. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s African Rhino Specialist Group (AfRSG) reported that there are now an estimated 16,803 white rhinos – and their conservation status is listed as near threatened.
While Kengele acclimates to his new surroundings, RHZ's rhino barn will remain closed for the next few days. Once he has adjusted, guests can observe the behaviors and characteristics of one of nature's most extraordinary creatures.
The white rhino, along with the roughly equal-sized greater one-horned rhino, is the largest land mammal after the elephant. It has two distinct subspecies, but only populations of the southern white rhino remain viable. The northern white rhino is extinct in the wild due to poaching, and only two females remain at a sanctuary in East Africa.
Rolling Hills Zoo is dedicated to inspiring people to conserve and protect our natural world. Kengele's presence at the zoo is a testament to our ongoing commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education.
Other interesting facts about the white rhino:
The white rhino lives in Africa, in long and short-grass savannahs.
Just five countries hold 99% of Africa’s white rhinos – the vast majority of those in South Africa.
White rhinos are grazers. Its wide, square upper lip is adapted for feeding on grasses. It is sometimes called the square-lipped rhinoceros.
White rhinos can live to be 35-40 years of age. Gestation lasts approximately 16 months, and mothers give birth to one calf every 2-3 years.
White rhinos are semi-social and territorial. Females and sub-adults generally are social, but bulls are often solitary.
White rhinoceros is taken from the Afrikaans word describing its mouth: “wyd”, meaning “wide”. Early English settlers misinterpreted the “wyd” for “white”.
White rhinos will weigh 4,000-6,000 lbs. with a height of 5 – 6 feet tall at shoulder, and a length of 10-16 feet of head and body
White rhinos have two horns. The larger front horn measures 37 – 79 inches. The rear horn measures up to 22 inches long.
For more information about Rolling Hills Zoo and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.rollinghillszoo.org or call (785) 827-9488 ext. 131.