When the name was translated to English, “wide” became “white.” White rhinos have two horns, the foremost being more prominent. Rhino horns grow as much as three inches a year, and have been known to grow up to five feet long. Females use their horns to protect their young, while males use them to battle attackers. They live in grassy plains, tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands.
The actions you take can make a big difference for rhinos and other animals that are facing threats to their survival.
Come meet rhinos in person! Connect with our amazing species and learn about the wild places they come from.
Rhinos may be best known for their huge horns, but did you know our rhinos can use this awesome adaptation to paint? Come meet one of our horned pachyderm painters and get a beautiful, one-of-a-kind piece of art! This program is available on select dates in the summer.
Learn MoreThe Animal Amigo program helps care for all of the animals at the Zoo by funding food, medical treatment, equipment, enrichment toys, and habitat improvement for the animals in our care. For a donation of $100 or more, you can sponsor a rhino at the Indianapolis Zoo. You will receive a plush, collector card, certificate and recognition on the Animal Amigo donor board!
Learn MoreRiders will enjoy a 10-minute narrated journey and learn about our Plains animals, greenhouse, gardens, the Zoo’s 15,000-square-foot veterinary hospital, maintenance and commissary departments and other behind-the-scenes operations necessary to run the Zoo. Available mid-March through December, riders will also learn about the Zoo’s animal conservation mission.
With giraffe feeds, elephant bathing and cheetah racing, the Plains area at the Zoo has a lot for guests to...
With giraffe feeds, elephant bathing and cheetah racing, the Plains area at the Zoo has a lot for guests to...
Published Feb. 12, 2021 Boxes of chocolates, bouquets of flowers, heart-shaped cards — expressions of love and romance are what Valentine’s...
Published Sept. 14, 2020 Working with the largest mammals to walk the planet requires someone who can look past their...
Come closer. Feel the ground shake with each gentle footstep. Look into those soulful eyes. And sense a powerful connection...
Have you herd? We have a new member of our Plains family! Greater kudu Jojo gave birth to a female...
The newest member of our Plains family is likely to make guests bristle with excitement. Ginsu is an 8 year-old...
In the late evening hours of Feb. 11, the Zoo welcomed the birth of a reticulated giraffe, the first female...
The Zoo’s newest addition will certainly make a sizable impression when guests meet her in the spring! Kita is a...
Amber Berndt has a passion for rhinos. Her dedication to these magnificent mammals goes beyond the workday; Amber is key...