Jadu Passes Away: Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Loses Its Sole One-Horned Rhinoceros at Age 39

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The solitary Indian one-horned rhinoceros housed at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo has died at the remarkable age of 39, marking a profound loss for the historic wildlife facility and its dedicated animal husbandry staff.

Regarded as a treasured resident, the pachyderm had spent decades at the capital city's zoological park, where he became a beloved figure among keepers and visitors alike. In captivity, reaching 39 years is considered an advanced age for the species, reflecting the high standard of veterinary oversight and dietary care he received throughout his long life.

According to reports by The Hindu, staff members who worked closely with the gentle giant affectionately referred to him as Shambhu, forging a deep bond over his many years at the enclosure. The sudden void left by his passing has resonated deeply throughout the institution, where he stood as a majestic ambassador for Asian wildlife conservation.

Management and wildlife authorities are now evaluating the future of the rhinoceros enclosure, with discussions expected regarding whether a replacement or a new breeding pair might eventually be acquired. In the interim, the facility prepares to honor the memory of a creature that defined the visitor experience at the historic Kerala zoo for nearly four decades.