x
Breaking News
More () »

30-year-old black rhino Rosie passes away at Columbus Zoo

Rosie was born at the San Francisco Zoo on Jan. 6, 1990 and came to Columbus on Nov. 12, 2009.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Rosie, a 30-year-old eastern black rhinoceros, has passed away.

The zoo says Rosie had developed several geriatric problems like hypertension and arthritis.

Due to her rapidly declining condition, Rosie was humanely euthanized surrounded by her care team.

Rosie was born at the San Francisco Zoo on Jan. 6, 1990 and came to Columbus on Nov. 12, 2009.

At 30 years old, the zoo says Rosie exceeded the median life expectancy (19 years) of black rhinos living in zoos.

Credit: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Rosie, eastern black rhinoceros at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The zoo says Rosie loved human interaction and she was known for her artistic skills which she used to create paintings with her upper lip.

While Rosie did not have any calves, the zoo says she contributed to important research for reproduction.

Rosie was the only black rhino at the Columbus zoo as they are solitary animals by nature.

Before You Leave, Check This Out