Patna zoo on its way to set up a record for one-horned rhino population

Patna's Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park could soon earn the distinction of hosting the highest number of captive one-horned rhinoceroses (or rhinoceros unicornis or Indian rhinoceros) in a zoo around the world. At present this biological park (also known as Patna zoo), has 10 one-horned rhinos and this is just one short of the number of rhinos in San Diego Zoo, California, US.
The number could soon change since a couple of the female rhinos in Patna zoo are expected to give birth in the next few months.
This has been reported in telegraphindia.com dated 6 October 2016.

Patna zoo is already the number one in Asia on this aspect and could become number one globally. The one-horned rhino is considered to be the largest in size and weight among the five existing species of the mammal, including the white, black, Sumatran and Javan rhinos and Patna zoo has five males and an equal number of female one-horned rhinos.
As per data provided by the zoo, 77 zoos across the world house around 200 rhinos and San Diego and Patna hold the top two spots for the largest number of rhinos in captivity. Basel Zoo in Switzerland has witnessed the highest number of live births of the Indian rhinoceros.
Incidentally, these animals reach a height of over two metres and on an average weigh up to 2,200kg. Horn of these species can reach a length of two feet and is the reason behind the poaching of this endangered animal. The horn is used in traditional medicine, and is also known for its ornamental value. The life-span of one-horned rhinoceros is around 40 years in the wild and around 47 years in captivity or in a protected environment. The age of those at Patna zoo is around three to 28 years.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org


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