The veterinary team has acquired a giant ball so the rhinos can develop their physical activity by rolling it when they stay in their indoor facility and thus enhance the welfare of these animals through this environmental enrichment activity.

The introduction of this huge ball in the rhinos’ routines seeks to promote the psychological well-being of the animal, as it´s a new element in the facility that the animal has to examine carefully at a visual, olfactory and tactile level, being able to interact and dynamise its activity.

It will be used a few days a week to prevent the animal from getting used to it and this way it doesn´t lose effectiveness. The ball is made of a durable material, has a diameter of 77 cm and weighs around 16 kilos, is 10 mm thick to be able to withstand the attacks of the rhinos, which can weigh up to 3,000 kilos. Enrichment tools for these species are usually very basic, safe, and strong.

The introduction of such items improves the welfare levels of the animals by creating new situations in their facilities, as well as new environments for them to explore. The Indian rhino is endangered according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Benchmark in rhinoceros care

Terra Natura Benidorm is considered a reference centre for the conservation, care and reproduction of the Indian rhinoceros at European level. The park is part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) of the Indian rhinoceros. It is the only nature park in Spain that has welcome the birth of two Indian rhino. The first birth took place in 2012 and the second in 2019.