Greater One-horned Rhino

The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros is the largest of all rhino species. This prehistoric-looking animal has a thick, silver-brown hide with loose skin folds and rivet-like knobs, which give it an armour-plated appearance.

Our magnificent male Greater One-horned Rhino, Baabuu, arrived in March 2010. At just five years old, Baabuu still has quite a bit of growing to do! We are arranging for him to be joined by a female from San Diego Zoo at the end of the year. These animals will form an important new pair within the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme. Our new female will be particularly valuable to this programme, as she will widen the European gene pool of this species.

The number of wild Greater One-horned Rhinos was depleted to less than 200 individuals in the early 20th Century, due to excessive hunting by humans. Thanks to strict protection measures, its population has now increased to approximately 2600 animals. However, the species remains vulnerable and faces the ever-present danger of poaching for its horn.

Chester Zoo has supported Greater One-horned Rhino conservation in Manas National Park, India through our grants scheme.

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