Rhino Myths Busted - What You Really Need to Know This World Rhino Day

As global conservationists commemorate World Rhino Day on 22 September, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cradle of Humankind, is calling on the public, international communities, and visitors to actively dismantle the dangerous myths that continue to drive rhinos toward the brink of extinction. 

Despite decades of education, illegal wildlife trafficking remains fuelled by deep-seated folklore, false medical claims, and misunderstandings about rhino behaviour and conservation practices. To mark World Rhino Day 2026, the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is setting the record straight on five of the most critical myths surrounding the iconic mega-herbivore.

Myth 1: Rhino horn has powerful medicinal properties

Busted: Rhino horn is made almost entirely of keratin — the same protein found in human hair and fingernails. Scientific analysis has repeatedly shown it has no proven medicinal value. Claims that it cures fever, hangover, cancer or acts as an aphrodisiac are dangerous myths that continue to drive poaching.

Myth 2: White rhinos are white and black rhinos are black

Busted: Both species are essentially grey. The name “white rhino” comes from a misinterpretation of the Afrikaans word “wyd” (meaning wide), referring to the animal’s broad, square lip. Black rhinos likely got their name from the dark mud they often wallow in.

Myth 3: Rhino horn is the same as ivory

Busted: Elephant tusks are modified teeth made of dentine (ivory). Rhino horn is not a tooth at all — it is a compacted mass of keratin that grows from the skin and is not attached to the skull bone.

Myth 4: Rhinos are aggressive and always charge

Busted: While rhinos can be defensive when threatened, especially mothers with calves, they are not inherently aggressive. Many charges are bluff charges. Rhinos have relatively poor eyesight and rely heavily on smell and hearing, which sometimes leads them to investigate unfamiliar sounds or smells more closely than other animals would.

Myth 5: Dehorning rhinos makes them safe from poachers

Busted: While dehorning is an important anti-poaching tool that reduces the value of an animal to criminals, it is not a complete solution. Some poachers still kill dehorned rhinos out of spite or to avoid tracking the same animal again. Strong security, community involvement and demand reduction remain essential.

Why these myths matter

Misinformation continues to fuel the illegal wildlife trade. Every year, rhinos are killed because of false beliefs about the power of their horns. Education is one of the most powerful tools conservationists have.

The Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve is home to white rhinos that roam freely across its 1,200+ hectares. Visitors can see these remarkable animals on guided or self-drive game drives while supporting the Reserve’s ongoing anti-poaching and conservation work.

Visitors to the Reserve this World Rhino Day and beyond can enjoy game drives, the Bothongo WonderCave, predator feedings and a range of family-friendly activities — all while contributing directly to the protection of rhinos and other wildlife.

For more information, visit the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve’s Facebook or Instagram pages or visit www.rhinolion.co.za.