Bioparc Valencia has announced the passing of a beloved animal, the rhinoceros Ami, at 7 years old, after she was euthanized to prevent her suffering. Ami arrived at the Valencian park in 2023 from Kolmården Zoo (Sweden), where she already suffered from significant skin problems. Despite her rapid adaptation and integration into the rhinoceros group, the biology staff noticed periods of apathy and behavioral changes.
Despite veterinary efforts and treatments, recent results showed a notable deterioration. Clinical data suggests her pathologies were related to a base and fatal bone marrow disease, which prevented the adequate generation of red blood cells and platelets. Given the negative progression and with the advice of the European endangered species program, the decision was made to euthanize her.
A necropsy was performed in collaboration with the pathology unit of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University of Valencia, which may provide relevant conclusions for future research projects. Ami was part of the rhinoceros group with the male Martin, the females Nombula and Kwanza, and the calf Kairu, born in November 2025. She shared her enclosure with Hartmann's zebras and various birds.
The southern white rhinoceros is listed on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Bioparc participates in in situ and ex situ conservation projects, such as collaboration with the Big Life Foundation in the Greater Amboseli ecosystem, between Kenya and Tanzania, to ensure the species' survival.
