Do you know that rhinoceros means “nose horn”? Or that a White rhino can weigh over 3500 kg (7700 lb), making them the second largest land mammal after the elephant? Let us celebrate rhinos by commemorating the World Rhino Day on 22 September!

Rhinoceros, or commonly abbreviated to rhino, is a herbivore (plant eater). There are five species of rhinos. The White rhino and the Black rhino that are native to Africa, and the Indian rhino or the Greater One-horned rhino, the Javan rhino, and the Sumatran rhino, which are native to Southern Asia. The White, Black, and Sumatran rhino have two horns, while the Greater One-horned and the Javan rhino have a single horn. The IUCN Red List identifies the Black, Javan, and Sumatran rhino as critically endangered.

World Rhino Day was first planned by World Wildlife Fund-South Africa in 2010.  Then, in 2011, Lisa Jane Campbell of Zimbabwe and Rhishja Larson joined forces to promote the World Rhino Day 2011.  Since then, 22 September has been celebrated annually by governments, animal rights organizations and animal enthusiasts as World Rhino Day.

You could celebrate the World Rhino Day by helping to promote and spread the awareness of rhino conservation efforts. Some of the zoos will also hold special events. Contact your local zoo to find out! You could also celebrate the World Rhino Day by donating to one of the dedicated organizations working to save rhinos. Or even better, join one of those organizations as a volunteer! You could also celebrate the World Rhino Day as simple as sharing your love and concern for rhinos on your social media!

What about you? Do you love rhinos? What is your favorite fact of rhinos? Tell us!