Jacksonville Zoo's Archie, the oldest male of his rhino species in care, dies at 55

AI-assisted summary
• Archie, a 55-year-old southern white rhino at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, has died.
• He was the oldest male of his species in human care and a founder of the North American rhino population.
• Archie sired 60 descendants and inspired generations to care about rhinos and wildlife conservation.

Archie, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens' 55-year-old southern white rhino, has died as the oldest male of his species in human care.

Staff recently discovered he had soft tissue sarcoma, a type of cancer, according to the zoo's Tuesday Facebook post. It also followed a recent successful extraction of an infected tooth that was affecting his health and quality of life.

Archie was a "cherished member" of the zoo family, according to the post. He was born in 1969 and has been at the zoo since 1975. 

"Due to his age and the extent of the tumor, extensive treatment would have been too taxing for him," the zoo said. "Instead, our focus remained on ensuring his comfort and well-being. While we explored every option to support him, his condition continued to progress. Surrounded by his dedicated care team, Archie spent his final moments outside."

In 2010, 4,000-pound Archie went a little too far outside when he escaped from his overnight stall. Staffers had to use a dart gun with sedatives and tug-of-war techniques to bring him home.

He also escaped years earlier but was lured back with food. The second time around, even fruits and veggies didn't do the trick.

Archie also made the news in 2019 when he "bumped" an employee with his horn during a routine training session. The employee was hospitalized overnight. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration responded with a $14,551 fine for exposing employees to workplace safety hazards.

Southern white rhinos, native to Sub-Saharan Africa, are the most prevalent of the five types of existing rhinoceros. They were near extinction in the late 19th century but today are considered "near threatened" with about 10,000 remaining in South Africa, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

The northern white rhino subspecies is classified as critically endangered, with only two left in the world, living in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy and both female, according to the International Fund.

Archie the rhino's legacy

Archie leaves an "incredible legacy," including his status as a founder of the North American rhino population, according to the zoo's Facebook post. He had 60 descendants ― 14 offspring, 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-great-grandchildren.

"His influence also reached guests, care staff and conservationists alike, inspiring generations to care about rhinos and wildlife conservation," the zoo said. "Even now, Archie will continue to contribute to critical research that will help improve care for rhinos everywhere."

Archie exceeded his life expectancy by decades.

"While saying goodbye … has been extremely difficult for our team, we find comfort in knowing that his 55 years were filled with care, love and the best possible quality of life," according to the post. "He exemplified the extraordinary care our geriatric animals receive and the deep commitment we have to their wellbeing. He was a cherished ambassador for his species, a gentle giant who inspired so many and a beloved member of the community."

The zoo will host a celebration of life for Archie 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and asked the public to share photos and memories of him in the comments section on its Facebook post. One commenter, Amy Battles, wrote, "He was so loved and made such an impact on so many. My 8-year-old chose zoology this year and Archie and AJ are her favorites at the zoo. She burst into tears at this news as I'm sure many have/will. Our hearts are with all of Archie's caregivers and those who loved him."

This story was updated to include the time of the celebration of life.

bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109