The goal of ex situ conservation is to maintain genetic diversity, avoid inbreeding and maximize equal representation of founder individuals. Analysis of a wellmaintained studbook yields important data concerning fertility and mortality that is invaluable to ex situ conservation. To evaluate the reproductive status of the European captive Southern white rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum simum population, basic demographics and population parameters were calculated using the International Studbook for the African White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum (2001)(2002)(2003)(2004) data with the integration of recent scientific findings regarding reproductive health of individuals within the 'reproductive age'. Kinship analysis of the 2001-2004 population was also performed to evaluate genetic diversity. Results indicated the population is declining 1·19 times faster than it is growing. To realize a 1% population increase at the 2001-2004 death rate, reproduction would have to increase by 214%. It is necessary to increase the genetically contributing subpopulation and to achieve a reproduction capacity that surpasses the rate currently possible with natural mating.

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Zoo animal husbandry is a skill that should be developing constantly. In theory, this should lead to an improvement of zoo animal survivorship over time. Additionally, it has been suggested that species that are at a comparatively higher risk of extinction in their natural habitats (in situ) might also be more difficult to keep under zoo conditions (ex situ). Here, we assessed these questions for three zoo‐managed rhinoceros species with different extinction risk status allocated by the IUCN: the “critically endangered” black rhino (Diceros bicornis), the “vulnerable” greater one‐horned (GOH) rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), and the “near threatened” white rhino (Ceratotherium simum). Comparing zoo animals ≥1 year of age, the black rhino had the lowest and the white rhino the highest survivorship, in congruence with their extinction risk status. Historically, the survivorship of both black and white rhino in zoos improved significantly over time, whereas that of GOH rhino stagnated. Juvenile mortality was generally low and decreased even further in black and white rhinos over time. Together with the development of population pyramids, this shows increasing competence of the global zoo community to sustain all three species. Compared to the continuously expanding zoo population of GOH and white rhinos, the zoo‐managed black rhino population has stagnated in numbers in recent years. Zoos do not only contribute to conservation by propagating ex situ populations, but also by increasing species‐specific husbandry skills. We recommend detailed research to understand specific factors responsible for the stagnation but also the general improvement of survivorship of zoo‐managed rhinos.

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