Rhino horns are made of a fibrous material called keratin and are solid, unlike a cows horn which is hollow. One of the primary reasons that rhinos are endangered is the unfounded belief among many Asian groups that powdered rhino horn is an aphordisiac - a substance that enhances sexual appetite and power. Consequently, many rhinos are killed solely to obtain their horns for this purpose. All rhinos except the Sumatran variety have almost no hair or fur. There are two species of African rhinoceros, the black and white rhinos.
White rhinos are actually brown or gray.
Rhinos eat a variety of plant foods, often tubers and bulbs that they dig up with the help of their horns. Rhinos have poor eyesight, but excellent hearing and sense of smell. Although they are generally timid and docile, their great size, weight and strong horns make them dangerous when frightened or otherwise provoked. Please click on an icon to visit any of these other exhibits.