He knew he was loved.
Back rubs until he fell asleep- how incredible 
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is deeply [sa.dde.ned] to announce the [pa.ssi.ng] of one of its largest and most loved residents, Jomo, the Zoo’s 30-year-old male eastern black rhinoceros, who was humanely [eu.tha.niz.ed] on April 16, 2026.
Jomo was one of the four eldest rhinoceros males in North America. He had been receiving treatment for several age-related conditions. Over the last weeks, Jomo’s health significantly declined with a loss of appetite and increased lethargy. Zoo staff took every measure to ensure his comfort, and the veterinary and animal care teams met regularly to assess his well-being – a standard practice in such cases.
Ultimately, it was determined that there were no remaining options that could improve his quality of life and humane [eu.tha.na.sia] was the most compassionate choice to provide him with a peaceful end. Jomo’s care team prioritized giving him great final days.
In recent months, Jomo was not often seen by Zoo guests as he chose to spend more time inside his barn where he was most comfortable. He was a considerably geriatric animal and had exceeded the Median Life Expectancy for a black rhinoceros, which is 20.2 years according to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Jomo was born in 1995 at the San Diego Zoo, where he was hand-raised, and came to Pittsburgh in 1996. He sired two daughters, Janine in 2012 “who gave birth to his grandson Tamu in 2023”, and Kesi in 2017. Jomo was the last remaining rhinoceros at the Zoo.
Jomo was beloved by both Zoo staff and guests. He actively participated in his own routine care as his age progressed, allowing the veterinary team to draw blood and treat issues with ease.
“Jomo was one of the nicest animals in the Zoo,” said Vice President of Living Collections Dr. Chris Bonar. “In fact, he was one of the nicest animals that I ever met. He will be greatly missed.”
Assistant Curator of Mammals Karen Vacco said: I’m honored that Jomo has been a part of my life since the day he arrived. I will miss giving him back rubs until he fell asleep and the baby soft spot behind his ears. He will be missed by so many.
Rhinoceroses have inspired awe in millions of local residents and visitors to Pittsburgh through the years. Far beyond Jomo’s notable lifespan, a representative of the species was among the first residents when the Zoo opened in 1898.
The black rhinoceros is listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of [Th.re.ate.ned] Species. In the mid-20th century, the population plummeted from 100,000 to fewer than 2,400 due to unregulated [hu.nti.ng], [po.ach.ing], and habitat [lo.ss].
The Zoo appreciates the continued support of the community during this difficult time. Guests are invited to share their memories of Jomo on our social media platforms.
Jomo will live in our hearts and memories.
Hugs and healing to the zoo staff. [Lo.si.ng] a member of the zoo family is never easy
May the bridge greet this gentle giant with open arms.
He was so very loved & will be missed so much. Rest in Paradise Jomo. 
