Depending on the climate, an inside exercise area is needed for the winter months along with heated rooms. (The San Diego Wild Animal Park has housed as many as 16 rhinos in a 43-acre multi-species exhibit). These rhinos can be social, and depending on the size of the enclosure several can be kept together at one time. Housing facilities must be large enough to allow the rhinos plenty of room for exercise. As with all species of rhinos, training chutes are used for medical procedures. White rhinos don’t swim so pools are not necessary and can sometimes be a hazard if they are deep. White rhinos handle hotter climates well, but do need access to a mud wallow to protect their skin from sunburn and insects. This species does not commonly have foot problems, though some institutions do file their nails down if the individual doesn’t walk around much. Floors can be of concrete but if they don’t have access to natural substrate for long periods, dirt, rubber mats, or hay can be put on top of the concrete to offer them a softer place to lay down. In cooler climates a heated barn with room enough for exercising is needed. White rhinos live well in a variety of climates in captivity. Females are housed with at least one other female if no male is present, depending on the size of the enclosure. White rhinos reproduce more successfully when housed in a herd, and only a few institutions can house a herd of rhinos. Males can be housed alone but prefer to be housed with at least one female.
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