World · India Bureau
Kerala's sole rhino dies at Thiruvananthapuram zoo at 39
Jadu, the Indian rhinoceros that was the only member of his species at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, has died at an advanced age. The animal was affectionately known as Shambhu by zoo staff who cared for him.
LSN India ·
Jadu, a 39-year-old Indian rhinoceros, has passed away at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Kerala, marking the loss of the facility's sole rhino resident. The animal had been a long-standing fixture at the zoo, where he was known by the endearing name Shambhu among the veterinary and care staff.
The death of the elderly rhino concludes a chapter in the zoo's history, as no other rhinoceros currently resides at the facility. Indian rhinoceroses, native to the Indian subcontinent, are typically found in dedicated wildlife reserves and sanctuaries across India, with populations concentrated in states like Assam.
The Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, also known as the Trivandrum Zoo, has been a significant conservation and educational institution in Kerala. The loss of Jadu underscores the challenges faced by regional zoos in maintaining aging animals and managing species-specific care requirements.
The zoo authorities have not yet announced plans regarding potential efforts to reintroduce another rhinoceros to the facility. The death comes as Indian wildlife institutions continue efforts to protect and preserve rhinoceros populations across the country.