For Immediate Release: November 6, 2026
The easygoing rhino is preparing for a new chapter at another AZA-accredited facility
Columbia, SC, November 6, 2026 — Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is preparing to bid a fond farewell to Bill, its male Southern white rhino, who will soon move to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility. This move is in support of the White Rhino Species Survival Plan (SSP) to increase genetic diversity in the population based on breeding recommendations.
Born Aug. 29, 2004, Bill has called Riverbanks home for many years. He is known for his calm, easygoing nature — and for making the most of a sunny spot, a deep mud wallow or a good scratch from his motion-sensing brush.
“Bill’s personality is very calm and easygoing, and he loves maximizing his relaxation,” said Codyrose Bowden, a Hoofstock/Pinniped keeper who has worked with Bill for years. “He’s well-known as the rhino most likely to be seen lying flat-out on the yard in the sun. On hot days, sometimes he spends all day in his deep mud wallow, not even leaving to come get snacks. Or, if he does decide to come get snacks, he’ll get up out of the mud with a huge sucking sound.”
Bill’s appetite has helped make him a willing training partner. He has participated in a variety of behaviors, including wearing an activity tracker during the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) project, which monitored rhinos’ steps and activity levels. He is also a skilled participant in blood draws and plasma collection.
“Bill is also great at blood draw, so much so that we have a plasma bank of rhino blood for rhinos in need,” Bowden said.
Bill is expected to continue donating plasma after his move. Riverbanks staff will help train his new care team in the proper techniques, allowing Bill to continue contributing to this important work. Looking to the future, Riverbanks’ Animal Care team is waiting on a selection by the SSP for a new male to join our crash of rhinos after Bill’s departure.
Guests are encouraged to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in the coming weeks to wish Bill well before he begins his next chapter. For Zoo updates, visit riverbanks.org.
| Bill Pictures |
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About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.