10/08/2026
It is with heavy hearts we share that our male greater one-horned rhino, Rupert, passed away on Saturday, October 3.
Rupert began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms about a month after his arrival, and his dedicated care team had been managing recurring symptoms and ups and downs since mid-June. Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine staff worked closely with Rupertās previous care teams, as well as veterinary teams at other AZA-accredited organizations, to gain additional insight into his condition and determine the best course of treatment.
Rupertās condition progressed over the past several weeks and required intensive care. Despite multiple interventions and treatments, including repeated procedures under standing sedation, his condition continued to worsen. Following a significant decline in his health over the weekend he passed Saturday evening surrounded by his caretakers and our Animal Health team.
Twelve-year-old Rupert arrived at Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance earlier this year on a breeding recommendation with female greater one-horned rhino Tensing. While the two were never formally introduced, they occupied spaces near one another in the rhino barn and rotated through outdoor habitats. There are currently no concerns about a transmissible disease related to Rupertās illness. His condition is considered an individual case, and there are no health concerns for Tensing.
We are grateful to the many skilled and dedicated team members who provided comfort, support and care for Rupert throughout his illness. We recognize that the loss of an animal is one of the most difficult parts of this work, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion and expertise our teams brought to Rupertās care.
Rupertās team shares what it has meant to be involved in his life and care since his arrival in May:
š©¶ āWe all immediately fell in love with Rupert. He was such a sweet boy, and it was exciting to bring in a male greater one horned rhino. Male rhinos have such silly personalities that you can't help but grow attached to them. Rupert loved playing hard with his big boomer ball out in the yard, he loved lounging in the pool, and he loved attention from us. Weāre sad we only knew him for such a short time, but we still loved him like we had known him for years. Weāre thankful to have cared for him when he needed it most. Weāre heartbroken to be without him, and after a challenging year, the heartbreak doesn't get any easier. Rest easy buddy, we miss you.ā ā Animal Care Specialists, Pachyderms
š©¶ āWhen Rupert arrived here, I felt an instant acceptance from him, and I doubt I was alone in that feeling. The first time I met him, he approached me and put his sweet nose in my palm and readily leaned into scratches from all the new people in his life. His loss is hard and the lack of his presence is deeply felt. He had an amazing and extremely dedicated team that tirelessly worked to give him everything he needed. He was beautiful, impressive, and loved.ā ā Night Animal Care Specialist Becky
In his short time at DZCA, Rupert delighted guests, members, staff and volunteers alike. His presence will be greatly missed.
