Whether called surface, flooring, or substrate, it is the single most prominent issue when housing greater one-horned rhinoceroses.  All walkable surfaces should be nonabrasive, well-drained and ensure adequate footing. Brushed concrete, poured rubber, mat covered, hard compacted dirt or sand surfaces are not recommended.   Natural flooring such as grass and hard wood chips is ideal. All material that is non-abrasive and minimal impact can be considered a good material to be used for keeping GOH. 

   

In most cases, walking on hard and abrasive substrates will wear down all structures on a foot.  The elevated weight-bearing rims become non-existent, and the remaining structures of the hoof become fragile and begin to fracture.  As a result, hematomas and separations develop on the pad.  This drastic anatomy change leads to a shift in weight from hooves to soft pad, an area that is not designed to bear a lot of pressure.  This has been diagnosed as CFD (Chronic Foot Disease). 

 

Many “large acreage” facilities, possibly because of natural and environmental factors, including overall size, a similar substrate to greater one-horned rhino habitat in range countries, natural pools, etc., have never had reported evidence of foot disease, such as CFD. 

 
Studies are unclear as to why this happens to some and not others, but the one thing we know for sure is how to prevent it.  

The more we learn about greater one-horned rhinos, it becomes evident that best practice includes utilizing an appropriate walkable substrate, which is 50cm or about 2ft of hard wood chips (not mulch) in both outdoor and indoor enclosures.  This is recommended, especially for the traditional zoological setting. Special attention should be paid to not using pine or cedar, as the oils or resins can cause gastric and skin issues and irritations.  Edible hard woods to consider are oak, beech, and maple.  The wood chips provide cushioning, are easily replaced and can also be eaten. The biggest challenge is the drainage and the maintenance of such an enclosure with wood chips.  Keep in mind, when designing such a habitat, considerations need to be taken that the wood chips will need to be replaced and in between, receive a refill. 

 

Smaller zoological facilities, especially those who house their crash inside during colder months or on a regular basis, should carefully research this method of housing and husbandry and follow the wood chip protocol created by Dr. Friederike von Houwald.