We're not talking about fairy tales—real unicorns walk among us, and they're called rhinos! These incredible animals have been roaming the Earth for millions of years, but how much do we actually know about them?

Today, we're diving into 11 surprising and fun facts about rhinos that'll make you love them even more. Let's explore the wild side together!

1. There are 5 types of rhinos

In the wild, we can still find five kinds of rhinos: black and white rhinos in sub-Saharan Africa, the larger one-horned rhino in India (also known as the Indian rhino), and the super rare Sumatran and Javan rhinos in Indonesia. Just to give you an idea—there are about 19,000 white rhinos, 5,000 black rhinos, around 3,500 Indian rhinos, and less than 100 Javan and Sumatran rhinos combined. Javan rhinos are the most endangered, with only about 60 living in a single park in Indonesia.

2. Rhinos support...flies?

Yes, really! There's a giant fly species called the rhino stomach fly—Africa's largest fly—that depends entirely on rhinos to survive. These flies lay their eggs in rhino dung. But as rhino numbers drop due to illegal hunting, these flies are also disappearing fast.

3. They are massive

White rhinos are the heaviest, reaching up to 2,300 kg (about 5,000 pounds)! Sumatran rhinos are the smallest but still weigh around 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). Considering their diet is mostly grass and leaves, that's pretty impressive, right?

4. Rhino babies have funny habits

Ever watched a baby rhino run? It's the cutest thing! A baby black rhino always follows behind its mom, while a white rhino baby runs in front. Moms carry their babies for 16 to 18 months, and usually give birth every 3 years. Rhinos can live up to 50 years in the wild!

5. A group of rhinos is called a “crash”

When we see a group of rhinos, we don't just say “a group”—we say a crash of rhinos. Sounds dramatic, right? But it fits their big, bold personalities perfectly!

6. Only one kind is part of Africa's “Big Five”

In the famous “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), the rhino referred to is actually the black rhino, not the white one. Why? Because black rhinos are considered more dangerous and unpredictable, especially on foot. Thankfully, today's most common “hunting” is done through cameras, not weapons.

7. They're more social than we thought

Black rhinos used to be thought of as shy and lonely. But new research shows that they enjoy nighttime meetups around waterholes—a rhino party! White rhinos, on the other hand, are much more social and often hang out in groups of up to 15.

8. Neither black nor white rhinos are actually black or white

Surprise! They're both just gray. The term “white rhino” actually comes from a Dutch word “wyd”, which means wide—a reference to their broad lips. Early English explorers misheard it as “white,” and to keep things simple, called the other species “black rhino.”

9. Their horns are like our fingernails

Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same stuff in our hair and nails. Some rhinos have one horn (like the Javan or Indian rhino), while others have two. The horns never stop growing, and white rhinos' horns can grow about 7 cm a year, with the longest one ever recorded reaching 150 cm!

10. Rhinos sneeze, feces, and pee to talk

They might not send texts, but rhinos have a cool way to communicate. They snort, grunt, sneeze, and even scream! A sneeze can be a warning, and during fights, they roar. They also use feces piles—called “middens”—to mark their territory and send messages to other rhinos.

11. Mud is their favorite spa treatment

Ever seen a rhino roll in mud? It's not just for fun. That mud coat keeps them cool, stops insect bites, and helps remove parasites. African rhinos love mud baths, while their Asian cousins prefer to swim.

How can we see rhinos in the wild?

If you want to see these amazing creatures up close, many African safari companies offer custom trips where you can meet white or black rhinos in their natural homes. It's not just a vacation—it's a way to help protect these giants and their homes.

Let's protect our gentle giants

Lykkers, rhinos are majestic, rare, and essential to nature's balance. Whether we're traveling, learning, or just sharing their stories, we're part of their survival. Let's keep exploring, learning, and standing up for our wild friends. If you could see rhinos in the wild, would you do it? Or better yet—what's your favorite animal fact of the day? Let's chat!

Top 10 Rhino Facts | Animal Fun Facts | WWF

Video by WWF UK