Webinar: Rhino Behaviour – can they play?
Join us at 6pm on Thursday 5th February 2026 for an online webinar with experts from around the world.
This webinar will focus on the behaviour of rhinos and answering the current burning question – can rhinos play?
Recently, a short video of a muntjac deer and a rhino at Wroclaw Zoo captured global attention. While many people were delighted by the footage, others questioned whether it was real and whether rhinos are capable of playful behaviour at all. The reaction highlighted just how little is widely understood about rhino behaviour, their social interactions and emotional complexity, both in managed settings and in the wild.
To explore this further, we’re bringing together an expert panel for a live webinar on rhino behaviour. Speakers include specialists from Zoo Wroclaw, Poland, where the video was filmed, West Midlands Zoo in the UK, and an experienced rhino field expert working in Zimbabwe. Together, they’ll unpack what the video really shows, explain why play behaviour matters for rhino welfare and conservation and share insights into how rhinos interact with their environment, other species and each other.
Join us for a fascinating, evidence-led discussion that goes beyond the viral moment to deepen understanding of one of the world’s most misunderstood animals.
The discussion will be chaired by our CEO, Jo Shaw, with insights from:
- Maciej Okupnik, Hooved Animal Keeper, Zoo Wroclaw
- Lisa Watkins, Head Keeper of Ungulates, West Midlands Zoo
- Natasha Anderson, Lowveld Rhino Trust