Thiruvananthapuram Zoo's "Star" Rhino Shambhu Dies
The cost of transporting the rhino from Assam was Rs 6.5 lakhs: Reports
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shambhu, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo’s only one-horned rhinoceros and a star attraction, passed away late Friday night.
The 39-year-old rhino was brought to the zoo from the Assam State Zoological Park in Guwahati in 1993. He had been under prolonged treatment for age-related health issues. With his death, the rhinoceros enclosure at the zoo is now empty, as there are currently no other rhinos at the facility. The average lifespan of rhinoceroses is 35–40 years.
The cost of transporting the rhino from Assam was Rs 6.5 lakh. He was originally named Jadu in Assam and was renamed Shambhu after arriving in Thiruvananthapuram.
A post-mortem examination was conducted under the supervision of zoo veterinary surgeon Dr. Nikesh Kiran and pathologist Dr. Harish from the State Institute for Animal Diseases, Palode. The carcass was cremated on Saturday.
