08/29/2025
Heartbreaking news about the passing of Doppsee at Potter Park Zoo.
Our hearts go out to the dedicated team who cared for her and to everyone whose lives she touched. Doppsee’s sweet disposition and love for attention made her a true favorite.
We are utterly devastated to inform you that Doppsee, our beloved female rhino, passed away yesterday. As many of you know, Doppsee received immediate and around the clock medical treatment by a team of veterinarians and animal care staff led by our Director of Animal Health, Dr. Ronan Eustace over the past month following a sudden decline in her health.
At the onset of Doppsee’s symptoms the veterinary team conducted an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy examination and they found signs of an obstruction and treatment was initiated. She began eating and defecating and her health appeared to be improving. She later showed symptoms of gastric ulcers and treatment was initiated for this condition. She improved for a period of time and then declined significantly. An endoscopy procedure was done to identify the cause of her continued discomfort and another obstruction was identified. Aggressive treatment was started including a nasal gastric tube for fluids for many days. Following the procedure Doppsee continued to decline and the incredibly difficult decision was made to euthanize her. This decision was only made after the veterinary and animal care teams agreed that further treatment was not feasible or possible and Doppsee’s quality of life was such that euthanasia was the only humane option remaining. She passed away surrounded by those who love and care for her.
A necropsy will be performed and samples will be sent out to histology for detailed evaluation of the cause of her decline. It will take weeks to have the results from those tests.
Doppsee was an incredible ambassador and meant the world to our team and our community. In addition to the tremendous amount of information she provided to benefit her species through multiple research studies, her interaction with zoo guests young and old was an inspiration to all. Her sweet disposition and love for attention touched so many hearts and inspired many to care about the future of black rhinos in the wild. She will never be forgotten.
Thank you to our animal care team for providing her such wonderful care for the past 14 years while she has been at PPZ including monitoring her 24 hours a day for the past month. She was well loved each and every day.
This loss is devastating to so many. While support services are being provided for our team, they would also appreciate hearing how Doppsee impacted your life, feel free to share your memories below or at zoocontact@ingham.org.