India
Thiruvananthapuram Zoo Loses 39‑Year‑Old Rhino Jadu
The Thiruvananthapuram zoo in Kerala lost its only one‑horned rhinoceros, Jadu, on Friday night. The 39‑year‑old animal, known to staff as Shambhu, had been receiving treatment for age‑related ailments. Jadu arrived at the zoo from the State Zoological Park in Guwahati, Assam, on 19 May 1993, when he was five years old, and the transfer cost ₹6.5 lakh. He had been a solitary resident after the death of a female rhino, Rita, in 2004 and a male rhino, Ramu, who later died of illness. A post‑mortem will be conducted by zoo veterinary surgeon Nikesh Kiran and pathologist Harish from the State Institute for Animal Diseases in Palode. Jadu is scheduled to be cremated at about 3 p.m. on Saturday. Published – October 31, 2026 12:08 pm IST
Frequently asked questions
When did Jadu arrive at the Thiruvananthapuram zoo?
19 May 1993.
How much did the transfer of Jadu from Guwahati cost?
₹6.5 lakh.
Who will conduct Jadu's post‑mortem?
Zoo veterinary surgeon Nikesh Kiran and pathologist Harish from the State Institute for Animal Diseases in Palode.