Why White Rhinos Aren't White

Zambian White RhinosRhinos have been nearly hunted to extinction for their horns, but are being re-introduced into much of their original range, although all remaining Rhino species are still listed as endangered. We were lucky enough to see and photograph four of the five white rhinos in Zambia today (two of them are pictured here). Which of course begs the question, why aren't they white?

Because these rhinos were named by the Dutch for their wide mouth--suitable for grazing in the open areas they frequent--and the Dutch word for wide sounds quite like white in English. But like the equally poorly named black rhino, these rhinos are gray--in this case with a slight brownish tinge from the local dust.

Black rhinos have a hooked upper lip suitable for breaking tree branches and stripping leaves, fitting their browsing method of eating. Apparently they were given their name because of the white rhino's name but they are almost the same color. For the record, both types of rhino have two horns.

Something I didn't realize until our local guide here at Wilderness's Toka Leya Camp told us this morning is that white rhinos typically have their young walk in front of the mother where they are easier to see since they live in more open areas while black rhinos have their young walk behind them so that the adult can break the trail for them.

Special thanks to Steve and Brennan, our good friends at Journeys Unforgettable for suggesting this camp as a great base from which to see the Falls and head off into Zambia.