Despite their fearsome reputation and ability to charge at 50 kilometres per hour, rhinos are not naturally aggressive animals. They’re more accurately described as defensive, preferring to be left alone to graze peacefully.
The truth about rhino temperament is far more nuanced than their tank-like appearance suggests. Rhinos are not inherently aggressive; they are defensive creatures that would rather avoid confrontation. Their poor eyesight — they can’t clearly see beyond 30 metres — means they often charge first and investigate later when startled. Black rhinos are notably more nervous and likely to charge than their white rhino cousins, who tend to flee from threats.
What triggers a charge? Mother rhinos are fiercely protective of their calves and will attack anything they perceive as a threat. Males become aggressive during mating season or when defending territory. Most charges are actually bluffs—the rhino will veer off at the last moment as a warning. However, when they do commit to an attack, rhinos can reach speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, making them the fastest land mammal over 1000 kilograms.
Remarkably, attacks on humans remain rare, especially when proper safety guidelines are followed. These magnificent creatures simply want to roam undisturbed, using their impressive speed and horn as defensive tools rather than weapons of aggression.
