The Difference Between Black and White Rhinos – Aren’t All Rhinos Grey?

Don’t let the name fool you, rhinos are grey in color, not black or white as their names suggest. Both species are found in sub-Saharan Africa and look similar to one another, but the major difference is the shape of their mouths.

Black rhinos developed a pointed lip which they use to pick fruit from branches and select leaves from twigs; white rhinos have a flat, wide lip to graze on grasses. So why call them white or black? In Afrikaans and in English – “weid” or “wide” lipped rhino was mistakenly understood to be white rhino.

Although they are nearing extinction, our safari guests often spot black rhinos in Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti.

Rhinos have been making the headlines recently. The sad fact is that these endangered mammals are still being poached for their horns – as recently as this week, the bodies of 18 rhinos were found in South Africa and Mozambique. Efforts to save the rhinos from extinction still forge on however.

Last summer, in a massive conservation effort, five black rhinos were flown in to Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Before they were released into the wild, Thomson Safaris by way of a very special invitation, had the honor to visit – and even feed – these rhinos! Be sure to read about it in our recent newsletter, Notes from the Field.

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10 responses to "Aren’t All Rhinos Grey?"

Wanda Barker December 1, 2010 at 9:57 pm

Aren’t black rhinos successfully bred at Fossil Rim in Glen Rose, TX?

Thomson Safaris December 2, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Thanks for the information, Wanda. Yes, it is true that there is a rhino protection program at Fossil Rim in Texas. In fact, they have successfully bred four black rhino calves. Take a look at this video to see more about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5oh-B41tTk

Elissa Poma / WWF December 20, 2010 at 3:07 pm

A very impressive article!

Jay Restrepo November 25, 2011 at 8:18 pm

nice article in fact rhinos r my favorite wild animals i herd that there were over 3,000 black rhinos left

Jay Restrepo November 25, 2011 at 8:21 pm

I am worried because poachers r still hunting rhinos they should go to jail where they belong

mulaifa August 31, 2012 at 9:12 am

i think soon rhinos will be diprived of their freedom because soon will have to put them in a secure place ,big walls, razor or eletric fences were pochers cant get hold of them.it is leading to that soon

Kole Spence September 4, 2012 at 8:48 pm

I remember seeing and learning about the differences when I was in Africa, they are brilliant creatures, you don’t realise how big they are until they stand next to your van… Stop the poachers.

Pierre A Pienaar January 10, 2013 at 2:47 am

Isn’t there a difference between there horns as well. See photo?

Thomson Safaris January 10, 2013 at 4:04 pm

Good question, Pierre. I think the difference you might be seeing in the image above is due to the relative size of the animals, the white rhino is larger than the black rhino and thus its horns are larger too. The image above is just one example though – keep in mind, the horns of both species are made of keratin (like fingernails) and the size of their horns depends on the nutrients and diet of the animal. Horn sizes vary just as the length and curvature of fingernails vary from person to person.

sbu February 23, 2013 at 2:18 pm

I love rhinos so much they are so cool

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