In 1874 the Javan or Sondaic rhinoceros was exhibited for the first time. This small representative of the Indian Rhinoceros was probably at that time the only individual of the species in Europe.
In 1868, a young male African Rhinoceros, believed to be the first received in Europe since the days of the Romans, was purchased from Hagenbeck, who received it from Casanova. It was in excellent health and quite tame. Till the Elephant House was finished, the animal was kept in the Giraffe House. And also the African rhino, purchased in 1879, died.
Jim, the famous Indian Rhinoceros, which had been presented in July 1864, died in December 1904, having been more than 40 years in the Gardens, of which he was the oldest inhabitant.
In 1834 an Indian Rhinoceros was purchased for a thousand guineas. It was said to be about 4 years old. The Council reported that it 'was scarcely inferior in its dimensions to the larger specimen yet recorded as having existed in Europe.'
Two rhinoceroses were purchased in 1872, both at first believed to be the Sumatran form. One, for which Jamrach was paid ? 1250 was obtained in Chittagong in 1868.
