The Denver Zoo said goodbye to its longtime black rhino resident, Rudisha, on Tuesday as the animal’s “chronic health conditions” continued to worsen, according to zoo officials.
Rudisha, the 32-year-old rhino fondly known as Rudy, was born at the in 1993 and moved to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance in 2016 from the , according to .
Rudy has been the sole occupant of his Denver Zoo habitat for roughly a decade, “enjoying his golden bachelor years,” zoo officials 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 his soft rhino ears, Rudy shaped our community in immeasurable ways.”
Rudy’s animal care specialists said the rhino was “one of those animals you meet once in a lifetime” — sweet, patient and playful, according to statements included in the announcement.
The team said they’ll remember him for leaning against his yard’s cables to ask for scratches, for showing the importance of slowing down and remembering the little things, for his mood-lifting spirit and for his periodic “zoomies.”
Rudy entered end-of-life care in early May for age-related mobility challenges and chronic health issues, like arthritis and Iron Overload Disorder, . That disorder causes iron to build up in vital organs, leading to liver disease, lowered immunity and other complications, officials said.
The median life expectancy for black rhinoceroses in human care is 20.2 years, according to . On average, rhinos live 30 to 35 years in zoos, according to the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance.
