By: Leigh Ramon, Animal Curator
The first Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (GOH) came to Mesker Park Zoo (MPZ) in 2001. We then housed GOH until 2023 when we moved our male, Rupert, to California. This move was done to ensure a sustainable population of GOH rhinos in AZA-accredited zoos. Rupert will be given the opportunity to breed with at least 5 different females to further this goal. But that is only the beginning of this tale. With the news of this recommended move, we were also recommended to receive a male GOH from Denver Zoo named Bandhu. And that is where our story begins.
Instead of timing the outgoing and incoming rhino moves in close succession, we took the opportunity to renovate the space without a rhino present. The renovations were primarily behind the scenes but will allow the keepers and veterinary team more flexibility for better access to the rhino for training, hoof care, medical exams, and weighing regardless of weather. During this renovation time, the work began to set up the move of the 5,060 pound animal.
The first step in the process was locating a crate that was available in time to train Bandu to enter it before the shipment date. It is always an option to build our own crate, but since the zoo doesn’t transfer rhinos very often it made sense first to explore other options. Tulsa Zoo had a crate available in the timeline we needed, so transport was arranged through a hauling service. The crate weighs 5,000 pounds, so not just anyone can do this haul! Once the crate arrived in Denver it was checked for needed repairs before introducing Bandhu to his traveling space. Crate training a rhino for transport is a topic for another article, in a nutshell, it is important to give the animal a lot of positive time in the space to make it a comfortable and familiar place for him.
Once the crate was situated, it was also important to arrange for an animal hauler to bring the animal to the zoo on a date that worked for both institutions. Haulers were interviewed and evaluated based on their experience and ability to translocate such a large animal. The type and size of the rig were also considered for safety on the road and the ability to fit into the offload site once at the zoo. Once the selection was complete, continuous communication was maintained throughout the months leading up to the shipment to make sure the weather and dates were still amiable for the trip.
As the crate and hauler were being identified, the zoo also had a series of paperwork to complete that ensured everything was done legally, ethically, and to the gold standard. These documents include permitting, animal records, and medical history of the animal. After reviewing the records, the veterinarian put together a list of testing to be completed to ensure the animal is fit for transport and doesn’t pose any threat to the zoo’s current residents. A space was also prepared for the animal to be housed and monitored for a period to safeguard against anything that may have popped up between the testing period and his initial arrival here. In the case of a rhinoceros, the quarantine area in also the permanent housing location, so the keeper wore different shoes and used tools that were not used with any other animal to prevent the potential spread of contamination during the watch period. During this time, the animal also adjusted to life in a new environment and in the presence of new keepers. To help Bandhu with this adjustment, in the months leading up to shipment, myself and his main keeper, Lisa Merrick, flew to Denver to spend several days getting to know him and his care team. This time proved invaluable to aid us in the care and management of him once he arrived. We were also able to see how they interacted with him, learned his trained behaviors, saw his favorite enrichment items, saw how he spends his day, exchanged contact information to help with care and training questions after his arrival, and countless other benefits!
The final step in the process is the actual moving day. We elected to send a team to follow the hauler and provide continuous monitoring of Bandhu while on the road. This team was made up of the veterinarian, veterinary technician, and keeper Lisa. A camera was placed in the crate to allow for visual monitoring from the chase car. Records were kept on Bandhu’s movements, time spent standing, and time spent at rest. During stops, Lisa offered water and snacks to Bandhu and ensured that he was responsive and in good condition. AZA institutions were contacted along the driving route and a list of institutions willing to offer aid in case of emergency was assembled. Once the hauler and chase team arrived, the Mesker Zoo team was waiting to help him into his new home. Equipment Depot offered their assistance to move the 10,000 pounds of crate and rhino from the trailer bed to the offload site. Once in place, keepers opened the crate and called Bandhu into his new home on October 2nd, 2024!
Bandhu is still exploring the different areas of his new home, so viewing times may vary as he acclimates to the space. In general, he can be seen most days in the zoo’s Rhino Reserve area during open hours. He is about 800 pounds heavier than Rupert and is a gorgeous animal. If you haven’t met him yet, we hope you stop by soon to see this incredible animal.