What is World Rhino Day?
The 22nd of September is World Rhino Day. A day dedicated to celebrating Rhinos all across the world. And a day centred around bringing much-needed attention to the conservation efforts set up to save the species from extinction in the wild.
(3 out of 5 Rhino species are currently critically endangered – so it’s an important time for us to act!)
Rhinos and Rhino UK
Rhinos are an important symbol for us and the work that we do.
Known for their protective thick skin and calm and caring nature, Rhinos are figures of strength and tranquillity.
Although, one of our favourite facts about rhinos is that they are considered true landscape engineers, and the caretakers of the ecosystems of which they live. Their grazing habits are critical to the maintenance of healthy and varied habitats, of which many other animals depend.
At Rhino we’d consider ourselves landscape engineers of inclusive sensory environments, where many disabled, neurodivergent and sensory afflicted people can benefit, learn and grow. Creating sustainable environments where anyone can feel comforted and supported.
Rhinos aren’t only a namesake. Their nature and spirit also play a special role in every aspect of the sensory experiences that we create.
Rhinos and Senses:
Rhinos may be strong sensory engineers, but they are also sensory creatures themselves.
- Sight: Rhinos have poor vision.
If you stand still about 30ft away from a rhino it won’t be able to see you. But to make up for this, rhinos have an impressive sense of smell and sound.
- Smell: A sharp sense of smell
Rhinos have a coin-sized sensory receptor within each of their nostrils that contains millions of individual sensory cells, helping them to discover and detect distinct smells.
- Sound: Independent Ears
Rhinos can move their ears independently of each other, which gives them the ability to attune themselves to their environment and precisely pinpoint sounds.
- Movement: Cushioned Feet
Black Rhinos have special padded soles which cushion their heavy bodyweight. This makes walking a lot more comfortable, helping them to travel longer distances when searching for food and water.
- Sleep: A good day/nights rest
Just like me and you, rhinos need 8-9 hours of sleep each day. Although instead of sleeping throughout the night, rhinos are more likely to sleep during the heat of the day in periodic chunks, helping them to conserve their energy.
Celebrating World Rhino Day
2020 is shaping up to be a year of collective action.
And we decided to take action ourselves by adopting our local rhino herd at Chester Zoo! So that we could play our part in uplifting the species as much as they’ve uplifted us.
To celebrate World Rhino Day we took a team day out to Chester Zoo to visit the newest members of our herd! We had a great day and even managed to capture a picture with the full team.
You can find out more about World Rhino Day right here.
And you can discover more about Chester Zoo’s conservation efforts here.
