How Do White Rhinos Mate?
Female rhinos are old enough to have babies when they are about four to six years old. Males mature around seven years. Choosing a mate can be difficult and dangerous. Male rhinos sometimes fight over the females. Because of their sharp, dagger-like horns, these fights can result in nasty wounds. Choosing a mate is a dangerous and complicated process. Male rhinos compete for female attention by fighting each other. Choosing a mate is a dangerous and complicated process. Male rhinos compete for female attention by fighting each other. ©G.Ellis/GLOBIO.org Once the male and female rhino have chosen one another, mating may last for several hours. Afterwards the male leaves. A female’s gestation period lasts 15-16 months. Normally only one baby, or calf, is born. On very rare occasions there may be two.
