White Rhinoceros

The Memphis Zoo is home to three white rhinos- an adult male, an adult female, and a young female who was born late in 1998.  These animals are also part of the operant conditioning program at the Memphis Zoo.  Unlike most of the animals in the program, these animals respond best to a good rub!

Utilizing operant conditioning, the staff has been able to not only draw blood for testing purposes but also do tuberculin testing and physical exams.  Eventually, we hope to be able to perform reproductive exams on the female including palpation and ultrasound.

Rhino training station

Young female rhino getting a good brushing by Carolyn Horton

Young rhino "targeting"

Ken Paul giving the adult female rhino a good back rub