May 1 – Save the Rhinos Day

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nI have seen September 22 listed as World Rhino Day, and May 1 (today!) listed as Save the Rhinos Day. I’m not all that sure that either “holiday” is widely recognized or celebrated… But since several species of rhinoceros are endangered – two species being critically endangered – I figure, why not take every opportunity to raise awareness of their plight?
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nFirst, there are five species of rhino: white, black, greater one-horned, Javan, and Sumatran. Here are some photos and a run-down on each of these species.
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nMany other species of rhinoceroses used to exist and died out – some of them many millions of years ago, long before humans even existed.
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nThe largest land mammal that ever existed was a form of rhinoceros, Paraceratherium. Our best guess (from incomplete fossils) is that this mighty giant was about 15.7 feet (4.8 m) tall at the shoulders, 24.3 feet (7.4 m) long, and from 33,000 to 44,000 pounds (15 – 20 tonnes).
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The dark gray silhouette of Paraceratherium is compared to a human and the current species of rhinos.

nIt was so large, it made the mistake a friend of mine made fairly sensible – she slipped up and made the long form of “rhino” into the non-word rhinosaur. 
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nBut look at this guy! Don’t you think the name rhinosaur fits?
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nHere are some other earlier, now extinct, species of rhino:
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nMaybe we can save our current species of rhino from going extinct. Check out what Save the Rhino is doing here.
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nBuild It! Day

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nUnity Day in Kazakhstan

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nTeacher Appreciation Week 
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