I’m a Rhinoceros
I live in the wild.

My life centers around my young.

I’m very protective and nurturing of my calves.

I will defend my babies if threatened and will charge if necessary.

Rhinoceroses live solitary lives once their calves are grown and ready to live on their own.

White rhinoceroses do live in small herds consisting of females and their calves.

Rhinoceroses are vegetarian living on grass, shrubbery, roots, leaves, tree bark, twigs, fruits, vegetables and alfalfa.

Throughout the annals of time over 55 million years ago there were 100 species of rhinoceroses.

Today there are only 5 species of rhinoceroses remaining living in Africa and Asia.

The sad reality is that all rhinoceroses are endangered.

There are laws in place protecting all remaining species of rhinoceroses.

Black, Sumatran and Javan rhinoceroses are critically endangered.

Rhinoceroses must live in cooler climates because they can’t withstand extreme heat and will seek shade and mud to find relief from the hot days of summer.

Rhinoceroses find their habitats in grasslands, savannas, forests and scrublands.

Some species of rhinoceroses do live in zoos in their native lands and in zoos across the world.

It is very important that rhinoceroses are protected because of their endangered status.

It’s a wake-up call for all of us knowing there are species of animals that face extinction.

The lifespan of a rhinoceros ranges from 35 to 50 years but sadly they do face danger in the wild and can live longer in captivity if they are properly cared for and protected.

Children are very curious about animals and they should have the opportunity to learn about as many as they can to appreciate all kinds of animals and their species.

Certainly rhinoceroses do intrigue all of us including children because of their unique qualities and their horns.

Some rhinoceroses have one horn and others have two.

Children also should know about endangered animals including rhinoceroses so they can gain an understanding, appreciation and awareness of the dangers facing these animals.

Rhinoceroses range in size from 7 to 10 feet in length and weigh as much as 1, 500 pounds.

They are huge and despite their size they’re generally shy animals that prefer to be left alone.

If you see me in the wild please realize that my life is important as is yours and I have to take care of my young.

I’m a rhinoceros.