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After years of dedicated care and treatment, Rudy, our beloved 32-year-old Critically Endangered black rhinoceros, has entered end-of-life care as age-related mobility challenges and chronic health conditions continue to progress.
During his time at DZCA, our teams have managed Rudy’s arthritis and Iron Overload Disorder (IOD), a condition that causes iron to build up in vital organs, potentially leading to liver disease, other health complications and lowered immunity to infection. Rudy’s treatment has included regular voluntary blood draws to help lower his iron levels and support his overall health.
Our dedicated Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams are monitoring Rudy closely and continuing to adjust his care plan to prioritize his comfort and wellbeing. The average life expectancy for black rhinoceroses in human care ranges from 30-35.
Including blood draws, Rudy voluntarily participates in many aspects of his healthcare and treatment, a testament to the trust and bond he shares with his care teams after nearly 10 years at DZCA. In recent weeks, teams have observed fluctuations in Rudy’s behavior, mobility and activity levels. Some days, Rudy remains interactive and interested in enrichment, while other days he appears slower, spends more time resting and is more reluctant to move throughout his habitat.
As part of Rudy’s end-of-life care, teams are closely monitoring several important quality-of-life indicators, including his mobility, foot health, appetite, attitude and overall comfort. Special attention is being given to maintaining healthy foot condition and nail length to support the best gait and movement possible, while also monitoring skin sores and lesions that can develop as older animals spend more time resting. While some existing skin lesions may not fully heal, teams are focused on preventing new sores from developing and keeping Rudy as comfortable as possible.
Veterinary teams continue to adjust Rudy’s medications and supportive care based on his day-to-day needs. His anti-inflammatory medication has recently been increased, and teams are evaluating additional supportive measures to help improve comfort for his joints and feet. Our teams will continue to monitor his condition through frequent wellbeing and medical assessments.
Those passing Rudy’s habitat may notice that he is spending more time resting, choosing to sleep outdoors more often or moving more slowly than he has in the past. Even with these changes, Rudy continues to eat well, engage with his care team and participate in many of his daily routines. Recent bloodwork also shows that his kidneys are functioning well and several key health indicators remain stable.
Rudy arrived at DZCA from Oklahoma City Zoo in 2016 to retire from an Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan breeding recommendation. As black rhinoceroses are naturally solitary animals, Rudy has been the sole occupant of his habitat for nearly a decade and has been enjoying his golden bachelor years at DZCA. 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.
Every decision regarding Rudy’s care will continue to be made with his comfort, dignity and best interest in mind. Our Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine teams are committed to evaluating his quality of life each day and will continue to adjust his care as needed. As we prepare for the difficult but inevitable reality of saying goodbye to Rudy in the future, our teams remain focused on ensuring his final chapter is filled with compassion, stability, comfort and love.
