Keeper Corner

CRASH STUDY

Codyrose Bowden | Mammal Keeper

Riverbanks’ rhino crash (group of rhinos) has received a lot of attention over the past few weeks. Bill, Kande and Winnifred have been working hard with their keepers to learn new behaviors. They learned to stand still while a measuring tape moved over them, to have a heart monitor touching their chest, and to present their feet for GPS bracelets to go on their ankles. You might be wondering why there was so much focus on teaching the rhinos these particular things. It all was inspired by a researcher from the rhino AIRS project, paying a visit to our rhinos.

AIRS stands for American Institute of Rhino Science, and they are conducting a study on rhinos in zoos nationwide. The goal is to advance knowledge about rhino wellbeing, management and care. For four days, the AIRS researcher, hoofstock keepers and three rhinos worked to collect data. The first task was called the novel object test and required no training at all. The rhinos were each given a brand-new object they had never seen before (a cloth basket), so we could observe their behaviors and reactions. Winnie smashed her basket, but Kande and Bill ignored theirs. Some Zoo guests may have noticed this study in real time if they saw the rhinos wearing their own “Fitbits.” Each rhino was fitted with a GPS device similar to the fitness tracker to track their activity levels. The crash also had motioncapture cameras set up around their exhibit and barn. For the most part, the rhinos barely seemed to notice this part of the study.

After the novel object test and applying “Fitbits,” keepers took measurements of each rhino’s physical shape, from around its belly to the height of its back. Bill, the largest rhino, required a small step stool to reach the top of his shoulder! Data also was collected on body fat and muscle mass. Lastly, the AIRS representative used a heart monitor to check Kande and Bill’s heart rates. She tried to get Winnie’s heart rate as well, but her skin was too thick for a successful reading.

For each of the projects, the rhinos got extra treats and their favorite snacks, the keepers got to spend a lot of time with the rhinos, and the researcher got good data; everyone had a great week! The researcher will return later this year to gather more data. Riverbanks is proud to be participating in such an important study. And it’s extra special knowing that our rhinos, alongside other rhinos in the US, are helping improve the lives of rhinos everywhere.