After a month of end-of-life care, the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance bid farewell to its beloved black rhino, Rudy.
The 32-year-old rhinoceros has been struggling with age-related mobility challenges and chronic conditions, including Iron Overload Disorder. Zoo officials said his health has continued to decline, and he was humanely euthanized on Tuesday.
Rudisha, known as Rudy, came to the Denver Zoo in 2016 after the Oklahoma City Zoo retired him from a breeding recommendation program. He was one of the oldest black rhinos in human care, Denver Zoo animal care specialists said.
“Over that time, his curious personality and strong connections with staff, volunteers and guests have made him an important part of the DZCA family and a fan-favorite among our community. Whether he was resting in the shade of his habitat, expertly shaping and styling his horn to his liking, playfully jogging alongside his care team or leaning in for scratches behind is soft rhino ears, Rudy shaped our community in immeasurable ways. Our campus will never feel quite the same without his calm and steady presence,” the zoo shared in a press release…