Delhi Zoo’s One-Horned Rhino Dharmendra Dies Under ‘Unnatural Circumstances’

Dharmendra, an 11-year-old one-horned rhinoceros brought to Delhi Zoo as part of an animal-exchange program with Assam, has died under what officials describe as “unnatural circumstances.” The rhino, introduced to the zoo in September 2024, was in good health and was paired with a female rhino to support breeding efforts.

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According to Delhi Zoo Director Sanjeet Kumar, Dharmendra’s body was discovered early Thursday morning in his enclosure, before the arrival of visitors. “Despite being promptly moved to the veterinary hospital, he was declared dead on arrival,” Kumar stated.

Given the absence of any prior health issues, officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the rhino’s untimely demise. Experts from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly have been summoned for a detailed examination and postmortem, scheduled for Friday. “Anthrax has been ruled out,” Kumar confirmed. “The joint director of the National Zoological Park (NZP) has been tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry and will submit a report.”

Precautionary Measures in Place
The zoo’s management has taken preventive measures to ensure the health of other animals. Female rhinos in the enclosure have shown no abnormalities but are being closely monitored.

Dharmendra’s arrival in Delhi Zoo was part of an exchange program that saw Assam Zoo transfer him along with a male Bengal tiger and a pair of pied hornbills. In return, Delhi Zoo sent a female tiger, a blackbuck, a white buck, and a pair of blue-and-yellow macaws to Assam. Dharmendra had completed his mandatory quarantine period before being introduced to the public in October 2024.

A Grim Month for the Zoo
The rhino’s death comes just days after a nine-month-old white tiger cub at the zoo succumbed to “traumatic shock and acute pneumonia.” Two other tiger cubs, born in March 2024, are currently under veterinary observation.

This series of incidents has raised concerns about animal health and care protocols at the zoo, prompting calls for stricter oversight and preventive measures.