Rhinos, as they are known, are among the oldest mammals on earth. Generally passive, this massive being prefers its own company, living solitarily and happily. Rhinos play a crucial role in sculpting their ecosystems, making them a keystone species that requires protection.
Our acquaintance with many wild animals was made at the zoo in Bombay which was then called Victoria Gardens. When we think of it now, we realise what a wonderful place it was and what a fulfilling part of our childhood.
There was a rhino there, the same one for decades, old and slow, but massive. It had a pool of its own, which is where it would usually be lazying, half submerged. Every time we visited the zoo, which was at least twice a month when we ran to the fascinating rhino enclosure, we would always find a crow perched on the back or the head of the rhino!
It's a creature which looks ancient, almost prehistoric, which it is. The rhino story dates back 50 million years when their ancestors emerged shortly after the dinosaurs and long before mankind! Fossil records show that the world was teeming with as many as 100 species of rhinos. Their decline, it is believed, could have been due to being out-competed by the newly-evolved elephant!
There was a time when rhinos roamed throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. But slowly their habitation area decreased. At the beginning of the 20th century half a million rhinos roamed in Africa and Asia, by the 1970s the number dropped to 70,000 and today less than 27,000 of them are left in the wild; mainly in India, Nepal, Africa, Java and Sumatra.
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of dogs & more.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March - April 2023 edition of dogs & more.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vietnamese Eatery Cat Slaughterhouse
This on the heels of the South Korea proposed ban on dog meat which we covered in the previous issue.
Animal Rights Activists Victorious
Just how do law officials think they can get away with harm and unjust treatment, especially to those not proven guilty?
Livestock Stranded in Rebel Attacks
We have seen how man-made and natural disasters affect both human and animal kind, displacing them from their homes and peace of mind.
A Shepherd to his Master
These tales of tributes from pet to parent and vice versa never cease to pull at the heartstrings.
An Icy Bed for Baby Polar
You make your bed and you lie in it. This Polar bear did just that with no regrets whatsoever.
Pricey Cockatoo Back Home
When we were looking up Australian parrots, this bit of news popped up and we did a little research to check the status.
Elephants on a Rampage
Hell hath no fury than an angry mob! Protesters in Wayanad district of Kerala took to the streets to vent their frustration over the recurring wild animal attacks that most recently claimed the life of one Paul.
Barkitecture the New Rage
Houses that are built exclusively for dogs! Compact doghouses especially designed by an architect and built by a contractor to suit your pet’s living needs.
Place Your Trust in Tata
The headlines ran amok with the news of the all-new multispeciality animal hospital to be launched soon in Bombay.
D&M Awards
The Good & the Bad - A Lick on the Face, A Kick on the Butt