![]() ![]() How zoos benefit rhino conservation Breeding programmes and collaboration In truth, there is no perfect safe space for rhinos, but every precaution and protection must be in place so that this is not the fate of any more rhinos held in captivity, and rhino-holding zoos have all been advised on how to improve their security measures. This incident was a stark reminder that it is not only rhinos in Africa and Asia that are in danger of such attacks. In 2017, a rhino in a zoo just outside Paris was shot and its horn removed by poachers. In order to save a species long-term, this system was updated with online programmes established to better manage a species across zoos. Prior to 1985 (when international studbooks began), rhinos would be sold or exchanged between zoos with a lack of management for the population as a whole. Early collaboration is important to ensure the future of a species is protected. However, historically, there have been challenges. Cooperation between zoosĪs discussed below, zoos work together in many ways and benefit rhino conservation in doing so. In their natural habitats, rhinos feed on lots of different seasonal and regional plants, so it is important to ensure that they get the right balance of nutrients in captivity. Providing the correct type of forage is another way to ensure healthy rhinos. with other compatible species) can be a helpful management tool. Rotating rhinos between enclosures, or holding them in mixed exhibits (i.e. From wallows to hills, rhinos like a mixed landscape and this is important for their well-being. There are also ways to enrich a rhino’s environment to ensure they are as relaxed but stimulated as possible. To promote the safe and healthy keeping of rhinos, Save the Rhino only works with zoos accredited to EAZA or AZA. While this will always be a challenge when an animal is not in its natural environment, research has shown that rhinos adapt well to captive living. ![]() Zoological associations such as the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the Association of American Zoo and Aquariums (AZA) publish Best Practice Guidelines for the three species of rhino held in their member institutions. Challenges for rhino conservation and zoos Keeping rhinos happy and healthyĮnsuring high standards of welfare for any rhino in captivity is a must. In this Thorny Issue, we discuss these challenges and how and why we work with zoos to further rhino conservation. We do understand, however, that there are challenges to conserving rhinos within zoo environments and that some people would prefer all animals to be wild. Zoos have evolved to become complex institutions, working day-in, day-out with a variety of animals and also specialising in a number of disciplines, including animal husbandry, health, nutrition, behaviour and records keeping. But today, zoos have a much broader role. Historically, zoos – or menageries as they were then called – were places for people to see animals from all over the world. Over the years, we have built successful partnerships with more than 30 zoos across Europe partnerships that have shown real success and provided positive steps for rhino conservation. Save the Rhino International works with zoos in a number of ways to further international efforts to conserve rhinos. By way of comparison, 700 million is double the amount of people in the world that speak English as their first language it’s a lot. With an estimated 700 million people visiting zoos each year (10% of world’s population), zoos have a large reach. ![]()
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