Rhinoceroses in zoos face specific welfare challenges related to their complex social needs, large space requirements, and susceptibility to certain diseases in captivity.
Captive rhinoceroses face welfare challenges including inadequate space for their natural ranging behaviour, inappropriate flooring causing foot problems, and social stress from incompatible groupings. Stereotypic pacing behaviour indicates chronic stress in some individuals. Health issues including obesity, dental problems, and reproductive disorders are more common in captivity than in the wild. Best practice zoos provide large naturalistic enclosures, varied substrates, and species-appropriate social groups.