Introducing a new rhino crash

If you’ve been to Zoo Atlanta in the last few months, you might have caught a glimpse of some exciting introductions. We have four southern white rhinos here at Zoo Atlanta who had previously been housed in separate groups. As of late April 2025, all four rhinos have been going through introductions, resulting in a new crash (another word for a herd or group of rhinos)! How do these introductions work, you might ask? When do we decide to put them together? When can you expect to see them? 

Prior to introducing the Zoo’s four white rhinos, Mumbles, Kiazi, Dakari, and Zuri, we had to introduce the three females. Kiazi, Dakari and Zuri were successfully introduced after Kiazi’s calf, Zuri, was around 8 months old. Mumbles, who is Zuri’s father, had time to see, touch, and smell the other females in our barn through doors. This process is called a “howdy.” After many days and nights of calm and positive interactions during these howdies, it was time to take the process to the next step and come up with a plan to get the crash together.

First things first: preparation! We have a management plan outlining possible scenarios before we put the animals together. This protocol varies based on species but usually has the same guidelines which ensure the safety of the animals during the process. Before all four rhinos were introduced, the Zoo’s Veterinary Team blunted the horns on the adults to minimize the risk of serious injury if/when sparring occurred (the horns will grow back, just as our hair and fingernails do). We had several Rhino Care Team members stationed at different points along the perimeter of the habitat with various safety tools kept on hand in case intervention was necessary. Blow horns provide an opportunity to intervene without adding a physical stimulus. Using a CO2 extinguisher would come next, with a firehose being the last resort to break up any excessive sparring. These tools do not hurt the rhinos in any way; if needed at all, they only act a form of distraction so the animals can separate safely.  Doors are moved based on the scenario to provide a space for the rhino(s) to remove themselves from the situation. Vet staff are always alerted at the beginning and end of each introduction so that they are ready to spring into action if needed.  Thankfully, we have thus far not needed these tools, but it is good to know that they are ready.

Finally, it was time to put the rhinos together! We started out with the three females on habitat with food spread throughout the habitat. This ensured everyone has enough space and food, which can help alleviate minor conflicts. Once they were settled and eating peacefully, we shifted Mumbles onto habitat. Sparring and vocalizations are normal for these animals as they navigate the habitat and figure out boundaries. On day one, Mumbles and Zuri met face to face for the first time and Kiazi (Zuri’s mother) was quite respectful for that meeting. Once she thought enough was enough, she reminded Mumbles of their boundaries while Dakari stood by to add some backup. All this was exactly what we wanted to see and completely normal for this species. As the days have gone on, the crash has been seen sleeping, grazing, and wallowing, and we have even some play sparring between dad and daughter! 

These introductions are conducted based on the temperament of the animals involved, habitat conditions, and staffing, so while there is not a guarantee you will see all four rhinos on habitat every day, when you do, it is quite a sight!

Cory R.
Rhino Care Team