Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to two Greater One-horned or Indian Rhinos - Dora and Amala. They are primarily found in northern India and Nepal. Dora and Amala are pretty special as they are the only two Great One-horned Rhinos in Australia! Greater One-horned Rhinos are the second largest species of rhino weighing in at 1500- 2500kg and standing at over 1.8m at the shoulder, taller than the average person.

Greater One-horned Rhinos can be described as the real living unicorns! Their scientific name literally being Rhinoceros unicornis. They get this name because unlike the White Rhino and Black Rhino species who have two horns, Greater One-horned Rhinos only have one horn. They don’t shape their horn to be as long and sharp as the African rhino species because instead they have two long sharp incisor teeth that they use for self-defence.

Greater One-horned Rhinos are built super tough with thick skin that can be up to 4cm thick along their back. This skin has thick folds at their joints that make them look as though they have a coat of armour and move like a living tank, giving them the nickname of the armoured rhino.

Greater One-horned Rhinos are a solitary animals that love to go for a swim or wallow in thick mud. They will spend 60-80% of their day resting and eating in the water. They are even able to dive and feed under water. Doing this keeps their skin from drying out and removes any parasites.

This Sunday 22 September, we will be celebrating World Rhino Day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. You can learn more about the Greater One-horned Rhinos at the special keeper talk at 12:50pm this Sunday.

By Keeper Amy Sturrock