Eindhoven Zoo may add 107 balls to size quiver Indian rhinos

The number of Indian rhinos in the wild has increased. Thanks to this great news, Eindhoven Zoo was able to refill the measuring jug in which the numbers are kept. Volunteer Kees Nieuwenstein, together with two of his grandchildren, Siem aged four and Stan aged two, was allowed to add no less than 107 balls to the quiver in the rhino stable.

The number of Indian rhinos in Nepal increased from 645 animals to 752 rhinos between 2015 and 2021. Nieuwenstein has been committed to the rhinos for years. "I think they are truly beautiful animals and it is fantastic to be able to tell visitors to Eindhoven Zoo about them. The fact that balls could be added to the tube is a great sign. I hope this can happen more often," said Nieuwenstein, who has been a volunteer at the zoo near Eindhoven for 11 years.

Threats to the rhinocerosThe Indian rhinoceros is threatened by several factors. These animals face poaching, destruction and habitat reduction, among others. Consequently, this rhino species falls into the "vulnerable" category on the IUCN Red List.

"Through hard work by the International Rhino Foundation and others, the number of Indian rhinos in the wild is slowly increasing. There are now about 2,100 of them living in Nepal and India. That is of course beautiful and we sincerely hope that this number will increase much further in the coming years," says Stephan Rijnen, head zookeeper at Eindhoven Zoo.

International Rhino FoundationEindhoven Zoo supports Stichting Wildlife, which is dedicated to various conservation projects, such as those of the International Rhino Foundation. This organization carries out various activities to combat Indian rhino poaching, including moving rhinos to new habitats, increasing safety in nature reserves and improving legislation and enforcement around nature protection. In addition, the International Rhino Foundation works with local communities to promote conservation.

Currently, the foundation is working on a reforestation project, Klaas-Jan Leinenga of Stichting Wildlife knows. "Local people are being hired to replant barren areas. This will increase the rhino habitat and create jobs for local people."

Indian rhinos at Eindhoven ZooThe Indian rhino is distinguished from the other species by its size, large head and the presence of only two skin folds on its belly. This species also has one horn measuring about 60 centimeters and weighs on average between 1,800 and 2,200 pounds. These animals are found in northern India and Nepal, where they live in swampy areas where grasses are abundant. During the day, the rhino searches for food. In high temperatures, it rests in the shade or in a mud bath.

Eindhoven Zoo has been home to three Indian rhinos since July 2019. They are females Narayani and Jhansi, and male Gainda.

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