Comments on: Adventures in Rhino Keeping

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 22:51:52 +0000

Lots of questions this time around. Let me try to answer some of them for you.

Indian rhinos in the wild live a solitary lifestyle but do spend a lot of time at watering holes and mud wallows with other rhinos. Both Soman and Surat grew up in a social situation out at the Wild Animal Park so they are more comfortable this way.

Nancy, to answer your questions…I believe they were in different field exhibits at the Park, and this is why they did not know each other prior to meeting at the Zoo. Baby rhinos usually stay with their mothers until the next calf comes along. Rhino gestation is about 15 months, so probably at a year and a half to two years mom will kick them out on their own so she can raise the next calf. How are they doing together, you ask? They couldn’t be better! Actually it is getting harder to train them because Soman will push Surat out of the way for attention. I now have to have a second keeper to ” hold” one of them while I train behaviors with the other.

Thank you all for your interest and questions. I can’t wait to write more about these boys.

By: Eileen

Eileen — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:04:27 +0000

I love the questions, (GREAT questions), where do we find the answers?

By: danielle

danielle — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:01:23 +0000

so cute!
Is there any update on Gram, the old rhino from that space, that was sent to another zoo/sanctuary to get a girlfriend and have baby rhinos?

By: nancy from michigan

nancy from michigan — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:45:48 +0000

how are the brothers doing Laura.? that post was so funny about surat! I bet they keep each other company now and are good friends? everyone needs someone! they look like little balls of armour. they look very intiminating in the wild and very dangerous. but little guys in the zoo don’t look quite that scarey!
keep us up-dated on any new happenings! thanks.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 22:55:32 +0000

Good story! Tell Soman and Surat I said hello,please. Thank you. That goes for Mrs. Weiner, too. Good weekend to both.

By: nancy from michigann

nancy from michigann — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:55:50 +0000

Laura, thanks for an interesting account of re-introducing full brother rhinos. it must have been very funny watching Surat struting his stuff, acting tough, amusing staff and visitors with all his antics before settling down in his new home. where did Soman come from? why were they separated? how long do baby rhinos stay with their mother? lots of questions! keep us informed about these two rhinos. maybe they are not as interesting to watch as they mature? I don’t know alot about rhinos. so, will look forward to all the information you can relay. thanks!

By: Amy

Amy — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:47:24 +0000

What a great story!! Are male rhinos social with each other in the wild? Or do they tend to keep a distance from one another? Since Soman and Surat are both young–3 and 2, I think you said–is it easier for them to adjust?? Or are their personalities the main factor?? In any case, it sounds like they are enjoying each other’s comany. I’m so glad that everything has turned out so well! And thank you for the great work you do!