It is a big year for rhinos at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. At the Zoo, you might see Brian, a very energetic greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR) who found a home in a renovated habitat that includes a pool because GOHRs are wetland dwelling rhinos. Siri, a bull, and Anna, a cow GOHR, joined the herd at The Wilds, and Sanya, another GOHR, had her sixth adorable calf in August. The Wilds’ herd of southern white rhinos is also growing and has produced fifth-generation calves–a record for this species in human care! If you put aside how many people love to visit the rhinos, why should we care about rhinos, and what are we doing to save them worldwide?
After elephants, three of the five rhino species, including the GOHR and white rhinos, are the largest species of land mammals. All rhino species are threatened, but the black rhino, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos are Critically Endangered. There may only be 74 Javan rhinos and less than 80 Sumatran rhinos left in the world! The Critically Endangered black rhino has about 5,630 individuals remaining. The GOHR is Vulnerable with a population of about 3,600 that is slowly increasing. Threats to GOHRs include shrinking habitat, invasive grass species that choke the natural vegetation that they feed on, and monsoons that are more damaging to habitat than ever before due to climate change. While white rhinos are Near Threatened with a declining population of about 18,000, one subspecies, the Northern white rhino, is down to only two, both females, remaining. Threats to rhinos are similar to those of elephants–poaching for rhino horn, human-rhino conflict, especially in agricultural areas, and less suitable habitat.
Why are they important? Like elephants, they are keystone species; they have vital roles in shaping the landscape for thousands of other species. They are grazers and browsers, seed dispersers, and wallowers. And, they are important for tourism in their native countries, too.
The Columbus Zoo and The Wilds have always taken an active role in rhinoceros conservation, and this year is particularly special. This year, we developed three 3-year rhinoceros partnerships for field conservation projects. Two are GOHR projects; one in India and one in Nepal, Asia. The third is a project with the Eastern black rhinos in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Africa. We will provide privately raised funds, as well as staff support.
In India, we will work with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) to support rhino protection through law enforcement, translocations, and community development. Our staff will assist with education and outreach activities. In Nepal, we will work with the National Trust for Nature Conservation. This project supports rhino monitoring, veterinary support, and a community awareness program in Chitwan National Park. We will provide technical assistance in the wildlife hospital, including wildlife care and handling, disease diagnostics, and capacity building. Drawing on our 30 years of conservation work in Rwanda, we will support Akagera National Park (Akagera Management Company)’s Eastern black rhino reintroduction effort. This includes providing uniforms and rations for rhino patrol units. We will participate in the planning process and provide messaging to share Akagera’s conservation projects, community work, and outreach.
And that’s not all! The Wilds is one of the founders of the new multi-institution American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS). AIRS will focus on rhino research in human care, especially reproduction. Not only will these studies be critical in increasing and genetically managing rhino populations in zoos, but they may also serve to improve the management and survival of rhino species in range countries. The AIRS operations will be based at The Wilds and include a research coordinator and intern.
The next time you see Brian caked with mud in his wallow, or Sanya leading her calf to food, know that your support and the support of the teams at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are ensuring that rhinos will be around for generations to come!