Rhinoceroses are among the most endangered large mammals, with zoo populations playing an important role in conservation. Meeting their welfare needs requires understanding their behavioral ecology and individual needs.
Rhino welfare in zoos involves managing a diverse group of species with quite different behavioral needs. White and black rhinos differ substantially in their social behavior - white rhinos can be kept in groups while black rhinos are more solitary and may injure each other if inappropriately housed together. Welfare-positive rhino management provides species-appropriate social housing, enrichment that engages foraging behavior, mud wallowing opportunities for thermoregulation and skin health, and appropriate substrate that protects foot health. The conservation value of zoo rhino populations - particularly for Southern white rhinos whose wild population was restored partly through zoo-based breeding - gives welfare excellence additional urgency as these animals serve both welfare and conservation purposes.