Southern white rhino
At the Detroit Zoo
The arrival of two male endangered southern white rhinoceroses in 2005 marked the first time the species called the Detroit Zoo home. Jasiri ("courageous" in Swahili) and Tamba ("strut proudly" in Swahili) were both born at the start of the new Millennium. The largest land mammal at the Zoo can be seen both outdoors and indoors in their habitat near the Japanese macaques.
Description
The southern white rhinoceros is the second largest land mammal, smaller only than the elephant. It has a barrel-shaped body that is sparsely covered in hair. It has tufts of hair within its ears and on the end of its tail. Contrary to its name, the white rhino is actually light grey. Its name is thought to originate from the Dutch word "weit," meaning wide, referring to its wide square muzzle which is used for grazing on grasses.
Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum simum
Continent: Africa
Habitat: Open grasslands
Size: 11-14 feet long; up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder
Weight: 6,000 pounds
Diet: The southern white rhinoceros is an herbivore and mainly eats grasses.
Reproduction: Gestation 16 months; single calf
Lifespan: 34 years
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
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