OKC Zoo Saddened By The Death Of Male Rhino Chandra

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden confirms that the male rhinoceros, Chandra, 33, has died.

Zoo caretakers discovered Chandra in his habitat yard around 1 p.m. Friday, according to report.  

 A spokesperson for the zoo said Chandra did not show any signs of abnormal behavior Friday morning.

Chandra had been living with his mate Niki in the zoo’s new Sanctuary Asia habitat for three weeks.

“Chandra was an amazing animal and ambassador for his species who connected not only with his caretakers but generations of OKC Zoo guests, and he will be missed,” said Nick Newby, OKC Zoo’s assistant curator of large mammals. “We are dedicated to providing the best care and welfare possible to the animals entrusted to us and unfortunately death is part of this process.”

A necropsy (animal autopsy, including histopathology) is being conducted to help determine the cause of death.