Rhinoceros foot health in captivity requires specialized substrate management and preventive care to prevent the chronic lameness that commonly affects zoo rhinos on hard surfaces.
Rhino foot welfare is a preventable crisis in zoo populations that requires substrate investment and keeper training. The contrast between wild rhinos navigating diverse terrain and zoo rhinos on monotonous hard surfaces is dramatic — equivalent to asking humans to walk on concrete 24 hours a day. Facilities that invest in soft substrate areas, regular trimming programs, and behavioral training for foot presentation report substantially lower foot pathology rates. The behavioral training aspect is particularly important — foot examination without sedation reduces anesthetic risk and allows more frequent monitoring.