Your Family Guide to Rhino Week:
Meet the Incredible Rhinos at Howletts
Looking for things to do with kids in Kent this summer? Meet nature’s real-life tanks at Howletts Wild Animal Park during Rhino Week, 17th – 23rd August 2026.
Big, powerful and unmistakably prehistoric, rhinos are the kind of animals that make children stop in their tracks. With their armour-like skin, enormous horns and surprisingly speedy sprint, these incredible animals look as though they’ve wandered straight out of the age of the dinosaurs.
This summer, Rhino Week at Howletts Wild Animal Park gives families the chance to discover these remarkable animals, meet the park’s black rhino family and learn more about the conservation work helping protect rhinos for generations to come.
And with half-price kids’ tickets available for visits until 31st August, there’s never been a better-value time to plan a wild family day out in Kent.
Book now: half price kids' ticketsMeet nature’s real-life tanks
Rhinos might look like living dinosaurs, but these magnificent mammals are very much part of our world today.
There are five species of rhinoceros: black rhino, white rhino, greater one-horned rhino, Sumatran rhino and Javan rhino. They live across parts of Africa and Asia, with different species adapted to different habitats.
Javan rhino image: Shankar70, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At Howletts, families can meet three incredible black rhinos: Sammy, Rukuru and Damara.
Black rhinos are instantly recognisable thanks to their distinctive hooked upper lip, which they use to grasp leaves and browse from bushes and trees. Despite their enormous size, they're surprisingly agile and can reach speeds of around 35mph.
That’s faster than most people can run!
Meet the black rhinos at Howletts
Ready to meet Howletts’ rhino family? See if you can work out who's who when you visit:
The Gentleman
Sammy is an affectionate and loving rhino who can be easily startled. His keepers describe him as a true gentleman. He's also an experienced dad, with eight children. His daughter Rukuru lives here at Howletts, while his sons Zuri, Malewa and Azizi can be found at sister park Port Lympne Reserve.
The Hungry One
Sammy's daughter Rukuru is known for having a big appetite and is one of the most reliable members of the rhino family. Keep an eye on her during your visit and see if you can spot her enjoying one of her favourite snacks.
The Sassy One
Damara has plenty of personality. She's known for being a little sassy, but when she's in the mood for fun, she's also the most playful of the three. Spend a little time watching the rhinos rather than simply walking past. You might be surprised by just how much personality these enormous animals have.
7 amazing rhino facts for kids
Think you know rhinos? Here are some fun facts to share with your little explorers before your visit.
1.
Rhinos can weigh more than a car
Some rhinos can weigh more than 1,000kg, while some species can weigh considerably more. That's a lot of rhino!
2.
A rhino's horn isn't made of bone
A rhino's horn is made from keratin, the same protein found in human hair and fingernails.
3.
They can run surprisingly fast
Don't be fooled by those chunky legs. Black rhinos can reach around 35mph over short distances. Imagine trying to outrun one!
4.
Rhinos don't have the best eyesight
Rhinos generally have relatively poor eyesight, but they make up for it with their excellent hearing and strong sense of smell. So even if a rhino doesn't seem to have spotted you, it may well know you're there.
5.
Rhinos make some surprising sounds
Listen carefully when you visit. Rhinos can make a range of noises, including adorable squeaks, particularly when they want attention or food.
6.
Baby rhinos stay close to mum
Young rhinos depend heavily on their mothers and spend a long time learning how to navigate their world. Just like human children, there's plenty to learn before they're ready to head off on their own.
7.
Rhinos are ancient
Rhinos have been around for millions of years. Their prehistoric appearance isn't just your imagination: they're part of an incredibly ancient branch of the mammal family tree. No wonder children think they look like living dinosaurs!
Why are rhinos so important?
Rhinos aren't simply impressive animals to look at. They're an important part of the ecosystems in which they live.
As large herbivores, rhinos help shape their habitats by feeding on vegetation. Their movements and grazing can influence the structure of the landscape, creating opportunities for other species.
Every animal has a role to play in nature. Protecting one species can therefore have benefits that extend far beyond that individual animal.
Rhino conservation: a story worth celebrating
Today, several rhino species are threatened with extinction.
Black rhinos in particular have faced enormous conservation challenges, including habitat loss and poaching. Protecting wild populations requires international cooperation, habitat protection, anti-poaching work and carefully managed conservation programmes.
During Rhino Week, our Rangers will be sharing more fascinating facts about black rhinos and explaining how conservation programmes are helping give these incredible animals a future.
From rhinos to elephants: discover a whole world of wildlife
Rhino Week is just one part of Summer Roar 2026, with a different reason to get wild throughout the summer holidays.
While you're at Howletts, don't miss the chance to see the park's incredible elephants, meet its gorilla families or watch the playful Sumatran tiger cubs.
You can also take part in an activity trail, explore Joshi's Jungle or brave the Creepy Cave, where you could get up close to fascinating bugs and reptiles.
Half-price kids' tickets this summer
Planning a family day out in Kent doesn't have to break the bank. For a limited time, children's admission is half price, giving families even more reason to make the most of the summer holidays.
|
Ticket |
Standard Gate Price |
Summer Holiday Price |
You save £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | £29.00 | £29.00 | n/a |
| Child | £22.50 | £11.25 | £11.25 |
The offer is available for new online bookings for visits from 20th July to 31st August 2026.
Children aged 3–15 are eligible, while children under three go free. The offer can't be redeemed at the Gatehouse and is subject to availability.
Book your half-price kids' tickets and plan your Summer Roar adventure
