Sedgwick County Zoo ‘favorite’ dies unexpectedly Saturday after going on exhibit

Klyde, an 18-year-old black rhino at the Sedgwick County Zoo, passed away unexpectedly Saturday.

“Zookeepers report that he appeared healthy when he went on exhibit at the beginning of the day but soon after, he collapsed and was not able to be revived,” the zoo said in a news release. “The cause of Klyde’s death is unknown at this time.”

Zoo veterinarians will do a necropsy on Klyde to determine the cause of death. Black rhinos are “critically endangered” and can live 30 to 35 years in the wild, according to the International Rhino Foundation.

“He was a special ambassador for his species, touching many lives during rhino meet-and-greets and Wild Encounters,” the release says. “Known for his gentle demeanor and sweet personality, he was a favorite of the Zoo family and will be greatly missed.”

This story was originally published September 5, 2020 at 12:44 PM.