15-05-2025
Zoo Knoxville welcomes two new rhinos ahead of new exhibit opening
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The Rhino Reserve exhibit is coming to Zoo Knoxville, where it will be home to two southern white rhinos named Mylo and Ranger. Here's when the public will first be able to meet them.
The Rhino Reserve exhibit is opening to the public over Memorial Day weekend. The official launch date is set for Friday, March 23.
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At the Rhino Reserve exhibit, Zoo Knoxville said it will have two southern white rhinos, half-brothers Mylo and Ranger. Both rhinos are a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Species Survival Plan, which is a collaborative program that works to maintain genetically healthy and sustainable populations at accredited zoos.
'We're so excited to welcome Mylo and Ranger and continue Zoo Knoxville's legacy with Southern White Rhinos,' said Zoo Knoxville President and CEO Bill Street. 'This is an amazing opportunity to share the story of these incredible animal ambassadors with our guests and inspire a deeper connection to wildlife and conservation.'
The zoo said Rhino Reserve will not only be offering visitors close-up views of the animals. It will also include educational elements about rhino conservation and the threats the species faces in the wild, which includes habitat loss and poaching. The state-of-the-art space is designed to engage guests while supporting the health and well-being of the animals.
There are only around 18,000 southern white rhinos in the wild. The species is the largest of the five rhino species, and thanks to conservation efforts, the population has rebounded from the brink of extinction.
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According to Zoo Knoxville, southern white rhinos weigh nearly 5,000 pounds and can hit speeds of 30 miles per hour when they decide to. The species is native to the open grasslands of Africa and spend most of their time grazing and acting as 'nature's lawnmowers,' the zoo said.
Zoo Knoxville does have a long and successful history of working with southern white rhinos, and Rhino Reserve is another exciting milestone in the zoo's commitment to rhino preservation. Previously, the zoo has also participated in breeding programs that contribute to the survival of the species.
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