Key Points
- A group of lions initially decide to have a go at the rhino, perhaps they thought that it was injured and that was why it was not moving.
- This group of lions is clearly wary once the rhino was free from the mud.
- Rhinos are listed as one of the few animals that can kill a lion.
If you are a black rhino, wallowing is a big part of your life. You will spend a lot of time in semi-liquid mud but getting out of your wallow can be a bit tricky. Also, the very last thing you want to see if you are struggling to exit your wallow is a group of hungry lions trotting toward you. It’s time for one big effort and a lunge onto dry land so that you can show the lions who is boss around here! Scroll down to watch the full video of one rhino’s heroic escape.
Why Do Rhinos Wallow?
Wallowing is a very important part of being a black rhinoceros. According to the Rhino Resource Center, this behavior is essential for their health and well-being. It regulates temperature, protects from skin parasites, and protects the skin from the drying effects of the sun. Black rhinos will rest and sleep in shallow water and are most likely to be found wallowing during the hottest part of the day.

©iStock.com/Tommy_McNeeley
Do Lions Hunt Rhinos?
Lions are apex predators and can take their pick of prey in their habitats. Their diet includes antelope, warthog and zebra. Lions will prey on rhinos but that does not mean that all lions will attack all rhinos. Young, old, sick and injured rhinos are most likely to be a target. Also, a group of lions is more likely to attempt an attack on a rhino than an individual.
This is demonstrated by the clip here. A group of lions initially decide to have a go at the rhino, perhaps they thought that it was injured and that was why it was not moving. However, once the black rhinoceros became unstuck, it was clear that it could defend itself and the lions backed off.
Can Rhinos Injure Lions?
Rhinos are listed as one of the few animals that can kill a lion. This group of lions is clearly wary once the rhino was free from the mud. Rhinos rarely go out of their way to attack a lion, however, they only act in defense or when they feel that their young are threatened. You have to bear in mind that rhinos can weigh up to 4,500 pounds, can run at up to 35 mph and have a huge horn! That is a dangerous combination!
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