Have you ever wanted to know what rhino skin feels like? In an informative video on social media, Woodland Park Zoo lets us get up close and personal with one of these massive creatures. With the help of a rhinoceros named Glenn, Al the animal keeper gives us a crash course in understanding this critter’s outermost layer. We learned a lot from this clip, and we think you will, too!
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Obviously, Al begins by describing how a rhino’s skin feels when you touch it. According to them, the texture is “like a combination of leather and concrete.” While that doesn’t sound very cuddly, Glenn seems pretty sweet while the animal keeper pets him!
Next, Al goes on to explain that there are different types of skin on various parts of the rhino’s body. In some places, his skin is extremely tough. These “armored plates” are over an inch thick, and they’re there to protect vital or sensitive areas. However, hidden in the folds of these protective coverings, you can find much softer, thinner skin. Apparently, this is where Glenn loves to get affectionate scratches!
Although it might sound like these tender areas make Glenn more vulnerable to attack, they’re actually incredibly important. As Al explains in the video, these animals don’t sweat. When a rhino needs to cool off, they get water on the thin part of their skin to bring down their body temperature!
Glen is a pretty good sport throughout this biology lesson.
One of the best things about this informative video is the way that Glenn interacts with his caretaker. He’s extremely gentle with them as he follows their directions obediently. This rhino also clearly enjoys being petted!
“Glenn deserves all the neck scratches in the universe,” wrote the Woodland Park Zoo in their caption.
Who knew that there was such a delicate balance going on in a rhino’s skin? This educational video has given us a new appreciation for these beautiful creatures!
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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