An historical retrospective study of black rhinoceroses Diceros bicornis Linné, 1758 in Italian zoos: a useful integration of cross-institutional studies?

Abstract Although an extensive literature exists on the management of zoo animals, not all zoos have contributed in an equal way. This paper is the first retrospective account of black rhinoceros husbandry and breeding in Italian zoos. Considering the precarious status of wild and captive populations, it is hoped that the results presented in this paper may furnish additional insights that are necessary to resolve some management problems in zoos today.