Exploring the behaviors and social preferences of a large, multi-generational herd of zoo-housed southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum), 2020–2021

The zoo-housed southern white rhinoceros (SWR) population is of special
concern due to their lack of consistent breeding success. An enhanced
understanding of SWR social preferences could better inform management
planning by promoting natural social relationships, which can positively
affect their well-being. The large, multigeneration herd housed at the
North Carolina Zoo provides an ideal opportunity to examine rhino
sociality across different ages, kin types, and social groupings. Eight
female rhinos' social and nonsocial behaviors were recorded from
November 2020 through June 2021 across 242 hours. Activity budget analyses
revealed strong seasonal and temporal variations in grazing and resting
behaviors, with no stereotypic behaviors recorded. Bond strength
calculations suggested that each female maintained strong social bonds
with one to two partners. Beyond mother-nursing calf bonds, we found that
the strongest social ties were maintained between calf-less adults and
subadults in these dyads. Considering these findings, we recommend that
management plans attempt to house immature females with calf-less adult
females, as they may be necessary to the social landscape of immature
females and, ultimately, improve their welfare.