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Rhino Resource Center: Rhino Forums > Rhinos in Captivity > Health > Rhino Skin Problems

Posted by: Nicole Feb 27 2009, 02:14 PM

Hello all, Here is the situation...due to exhibit and weather restraints, our male Rhino is not getting access to mud as often as we would like him to. Because of this, he has developed severely dry cracked skin despite our efforts to give him mud baths by hand. I am wondering if any of you have dealt with this situation before, and what have you done to fix it? Thank you! Nicole NC Zoo

Posted by: CassandraS Mar 5 2009, 05:38 PM

We have not had dry skin to the point of cracking, but in the winter months when our rhinos can not go outside, we use Eucerin lotion-it's really thick and creamy (any water-based lotion would be fine), as well as mineral oil in a squirt bottle. Also limit the baths, because moisture only dry's the skin more. You can also mix mineral oil in with the mud you apply to his skin. Hope this helps.

Posted by: adam Mar 18 2009, 02:24 AM

We have black rhinos in Columbus, but to combat dry skin in the winter time we apply mud to their skin by hand. Like Cassandra we also have used mineral to help severe dry skin, but the mud baths we give them really help. The last two winters we have not had to use mineral. adam

Posted by: rutherann Sep 22 2009, 02:16 AM

Please see this clip on "Boma" the rhino at the Altanta zoo who had skin problems. http://www.11alive.com/video/?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer3&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=1245336914&maven_referrer=delicious