Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium sadly announces the death of Jontu, a male, Greater one-horned rhino, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from complications related to a gastrointestinal illness. He was 15 years old.
Jontu arrived at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in May 2011 and was a popular resident of the Zoo’s Asian Highlands, where he was visited by millions of guests.
“After spending most of his life in Omaha, Jontu was an incredible representative of Greater one-horned rhinos,” said Dan Cassidy, Vice President of Animal Management for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “He will be greatly missed by our Zoo family and the Omaha community. Our condolences are with the Zoo teams that cared for him every day.”
Jontu was known for his calm and gentle demeanor. “He was the best boy… ever,” said Jami Ruether, Senior Keeper, Hoofstock and Rhino, for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “I will miss his hello snorts, giving him mud baths in the winter, training and just overall, him. Jontu was a favorite and will be deeply missed.”
The Veterinary and Animal Care teams had been intensively managing Jontu for several weeks. He was ultimately diagnosed with an inoperable partial intestinal obstruction. Jontu was humanely euthanized as his condition deteriorated.
“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,” explained 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’s legacy carries on with his son Marshall, who still lives at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and his daughter Joona, at the Denver Zoo. Greater one-horned rhinos are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. There are only an estimated 3,500-3,600 Greater one-horned rhinos left in the world.