Northern White Rhino

Species: Ceratotherium simum cottoni

Dimensions: 4 m (Length), 1,85 m (Height) x 2.500 kg

Rhinos are one of the largest mammals in the world. At the same time, the white rhino species is considered “near threatened” by the WWF. They were thought to be extinct in the late 19th century due to decades of hunting for their horn, but in 1895 a small population of fewer than 100 individuals was discovered in South Africa. Since then African authorities began a protection program and now there are around 18.000 examples. 

White rhinos are the largest species among rhinos as they can weigh up to 3.500 kg: it is equal to two sports cars combined! They use their horn (which can grow 7 cm every year) when battling for territory against other rhinos. Of course, white rhinos’ habitat is the savannah where they can run up to 50 km/h.