Seeing a rhino is always a spectacular experience. Rhinos are endangered species and their sheer size makes them memorable.
Enrico Testi had the privilege of seeing both the White and Black Rhino species in a single sighting, when the two species confronted one another in a dramatic moment at the Etosha National Park.
Both the white and black rhino are powerful giants of the African bush. However, their personalities could not be more different. When their paths cross at a shrinking water source, tension is almost guaranteed; as Enrico discovered.
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Shadows set the stage for dramatic encounter
This breathtaking encounter happened during the night, and the rhinos’ colossal forms were impressive in the shadows.
A black rhino stood in a muddy watering hole. His massive bulk, possibly around 1 400kg of muscle and armour-thick skin, created a formidable silhouette.
Black rhinos fiercely territorial, especially around key resources like water and favourite browsing spots. This is unlike white rhinos, which are generally calmer and more tolerant of each other. Black rhinos, however, are known for unpredictable tempers and sudden charges. They rely heavily on scent and hearing, swiveling their ears constantly to track movement around them.
The bull dipped his hooked upper lip into the water, drinking cautiously.
This was when a herd of white rhinos started to edge closer to him. White rhinos are larger than black rhinos. Some males push past 2 300 kg. Definitely hefty fellows!
They are also more social by nature. These white rhinos arrived as a herd, looking for a drink of water in the dusky shadows of night. White rhinos often tolerate each other at water sources, forming loose groups.
However, in spite of their greater size, to this black rhino, their size meant nothing. What mattered was simple. They were intruders and this was his watering hole.
As the white rhinos drew closer, the black rhino lifted his head sharply. His ears flicked forward, and he blew a loud, warning puff of air. This was a clear signal in rhino language.
White rhinos, less territorial, continued toward the water in their steady, deliberate manner. They often rely on size and calm confidence rather than aggression, but that calm can be misread by a black rhino as disrespect or challenge.
Black rhino stands his ground in spite of imposing herd
The black rhino positioned his body between the newcomers and the water. He was willing to fight for rights to the watering hole. He scraped his front foot against the soil and assumed a threatening posture, signaling he was ready to charge if needs be.
Enrico had a front row view of all of the action. These were big boys, and Enrico understood the rarity and thrill of the moment. He was also possibly relieved that the animosity which hung in the air was between the rhinos, and not directed at himself or his vehicle. Big rhinos have big horns and by the looks of things, these animals weren’t afraid to use these weapons.
