Jaharo a White Rhino Dies at Maryland Zoo Age 6

Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo posted on their website that Jaharo, a six-year-old rhinoceros suddenly died on Jan. 27, 2019.

Mike McClure, the general curator at the Zoo, said that Jaharo, a male rhinoceros, was afflicted with significant medical problems but was behaving normally, eating and drinking. His condition declined quickly on Sunday and was unable to be saved.

Dr. Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation and research for the Maryland Zoo said Jaharo was determined to have immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in the fall of 2018. White rhinoceros’ do not get this disease, and it was the first time it has been seen when Jaharo became inflicted with it. With this disease, the body’s immune system destroys the red blood cells.

She continued saying the zoo consulted veterinary specialists and rhino experts from around the United States to establish a treatment plan to address Jaharo’s medical issues.

Medically, Jaharo was able to stabilize his anemia which included blood transfusions and medications. He stabilized, but unfortunately, in January the anemia resurfaced. He responded well to treatments but declined suddenly on Sunday.

The zoo has one more rhino, Stubby, who will remain at the zoo. There will be a collaboration with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to determine if a companion should be brought in for him.

Written by Barbara Sobel

Sources:

WJLA: Jaharo, 6-year-old white rhino at Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, dies
Maryland Zoo: MARYLAND ZOO MOURNING LOSS OF RHINO JAHARO
The Washington Post: 6-year-old white rhino dies at Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

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