The white Rhino Reading time:5 minutes 26 seconds Meta description: The white rhino, a member of the African Big Five, is also famously known as the white rhinoceros or the square-lipped rhinoceros. White rhinoceros The white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) is one of the largest species of rhinoceros; it is also the second largest mammal after the African Bush Elephant and the most social among the rhino species. The white rhino is known by its wide square lip, massive body size, and its gentle nature. White rhinos are not actually white as their name suggests, but the name is believed to be misinterpreted from the Afrikaans language word “wyd”, which means broad flat mouth, one of their characteristics. Serious efforts have been made by conservationists across the world to save the white rhino from being extinct in the world. The white rhinos suffer a serious threat from poaching and habitat loss. In Kenya, white rhinos are protected in national parks and some privately owned conservancies, where tourists can visit, see and learn about them.A Rhino in Lake Nakuru National Park.avif White rhino species There are only two subspecies of white rhinos in the world: The southern white rhino(Ceratotherium simum simum): this is the most common species of the white rhino, and it is found in several African countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The Northern white rhino(Ceratotherium simum cottoni): this species is considered extinct, with only two females surviving in the world. The two female northern white rhinos named Najin and Fatu are found in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. Scientists are working hard to try to save this species from extinction using some of the modern advanced reproductive technologies. These species once lived in countries like Uganda, Chad, Sudan, and the democratic Republic of Congo.