With great sadness we report the death of Eastern Black Rhino Kulinda Kifaru, from Columbus Zoo.

Kulinda Kifaru, Swahili for “Beautiful Rhinoceros”, was born back in 1988 and came in Columbus Zoo an year later. She was diagnosed, over a year ago, with Iron overload Syndrome, a metabolic disease which results in progressive liver failure. Staff worked hard to garantee her the best cures, but due to the poor prognosis and her health in rapid decline, decision was made  to euthanize her in the morning of 3 February 2017.

She is remembered as an apple-lover and a great ambassador for her species. She was also able to paint trough her mobile lips.

Kulinda Kifaru is survived by Rosetta Stone, another Black Rhino that still resides at Columbus, and by one of her child, Klyde.

Columbus zoo will probably received other Black Rhinos in the future, following the guide line of the SSP.

For further reading here