(Omaha, NE) -- Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium says Jontu, a Greater one-horned rhinoceros, passed away on March 28.
The zoo says the 15-year-old rhino had been suffering from a gastrointestinal illness for several weeks. The Veterinary and Animal Care teams determined that his condition was inoperable, and he was humanely euthanized.
“Jontu is a testament to the excellent quality care provided by both his Animal Care staff and the Veterinary team at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium,” said Dr. Taylor Yaw, DVM, CertAqV, Dipl. ACZM, Director of Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “I couldn’t be prouder of our staff for all the procedures, diagnostics, consults, research and care they have provided for Jontu during this tough time.”
Jontu joined the zoo in 2011. His son, Marshall, is still at the zoo, while his daughter, Joona, is at the Denver Zoo.
There are an estimated 3,5000 to 3,600 Greater one-horned rhinos in the world.