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Rhino Resource Center: Rhino Forums > Rhino Species > Black Rhino > Exhibit containment

Posted by: cydneyp Mar 4 2009, 01:55 PM

What are peoples' experiences and opinions regarding the use of hot wire as a containment option for black rhinos?

Posted by: dgeurkink Oct 7 2010, 09:39 PM

I have only used hotwire once for black rhino and did not find it to be a great idea. When the animal touched the wire, he got very agitated and ran through his exhibit for extended period. Once calm, he promptly figured out that his horn was non-conductive and pulled the wire out of its insulators, grounding it and effectively turning it off.

Posted by: CassandraS Dec 29 2010, 05:49 PM

We used hotgrass in the design of our new black rhino exhibit that opened last summer to protect plant islands within the exhibit. Our male touched it one day while investigating and didn't go back out for several weeks. Once he did go out he kept a wide berth around the hotgrass so as to not touch it again. So far it is working for us, but time will tell. I would never consider it for primary containment, but to protect plants it's worth a shot.