Im not sure how often this happens as being away at uni I do not go anywhere near as often as I use to, and they were only in the main paddock the last time I went. Having said that both seemed really at ease, even when the train went past.
I've seen these animals in the wild, and they are among the most truculent, nervous/aggressive(at the same time!) animals I've come across and they will charge(and overturn) vehicles on sight if they are too close..
I know they are far more placid in captivity though. One male at Whipsnade in the 1950's(Mohan) would give 'rides' on his back to visiting celebrities and I know of others which would allow their keepers to do that also.
For example the dust jacket of the book “Ride a Rhino” (Michaela Denis, 1959) features a photo of Michaela Denis riding an Indian rhinoceros at Whipsnade.
(“On Safari with Armand and Michaela Denis” was one of my favourite television programmes when I was a child.)
For example the dust jacket of the book “Ride a Rhino” (Michaela Denis, 1959) features a photo of Michaela Denis riding an Indian rhinoceros at Whipsnade.
That rhino is definately 'Mohan'.
This is still a remarkble photo for me as I have never seen Indian Rhino in this sort of situation before.
I visited a few weeks ago and both rhino were confined to their paddock. I'm torn as I'd love to be that close to an Indian rhino but I think I'd be terrified at the same time!
I visited a few weeks ago and both rhino were confined to their paddock. I'm torn as I'd love to be that close to an Indian rhino but I think I'd be terrified at the same time!
I did a work experience placement at WMSP about 3 years ago, and on one of the days was working with the Indian rhino... They were very mild mannered and I stroked/patted them and handfeed them and they were total softies. Granted both will have grown a lot since then!
They actually reminded me of working with Bulls - massive and could kill you in a heart beat but just generally wanting some fuss and attention!
I visited a few weeks ago and both rhino were confined to their paddock. I'm torn as I'd love to be that close to an Indian rhino but I think I'd be terrified at the same time!
i know they can be very placid in zoo situations so I wouldn't be frightened of them, but that said I would definately not want to be sitting in a car nearby if they were involved in courtship chasing- that is one impressive spectacle but preferably seen from a safe distance!.
