Endangered white rhino dies at San Diego zoo

Published November 24, 2015
This November 13, 2015 photo courtesy of the San Diego Zoo shows Nola, a critically endangered 41-year-old northern white rhino who died November 22, 2015 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California. ─ AFP
This November 13, 2015 photo courtesy of the San Diego Zoo shows Nola, a critically endangered 41-year-old northern white rhino who died November 22, 2015 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California. ─ AFP
Nola was one of four northern white rhinos left in captivity. ─ AFP
Nola was one of four northern white rhinos left in captivity. ─ AFP
This photo obtained November 23, 2015 courtesy of the San Diego Zoo shows Nola, a 41-year-old northern white rhino who died November 22, 2015 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California. ─ AFP
This photo obtained November 23, 2015 courtesy of the San Diego Zoo shows Nola, a 41-year-old northern white rhino who died November 22, 2015 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California. ─ AFP

SAN DIEGO: One of only four northern white rhinos believed left in the world died on Sunday at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Nola, a 41-year-old female who has been at the park since 1989, was euthanised after her health took a turn for the worse, a zoo statement said.

The geriatric rhino had arthritis and other ailments and was being treated for a bacterial infection linked to an abscess in her hip.

Nola had surgery on Nov 13 to drain the abscess but her health began to deteriorate about a week ago; her appetite faltered and she became listless. She worsened over the past 24 hours and vets decided they had to euthanise her, according to the zoo in Escondido.

“Nola was an iconic animal, not only at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, but worldwide,” the park statement said.

The remaining three northern white rhinos, all elderly, are in a closely guarded preserve in Kenya.

The subspecies has been decimated by poachers, who kill the rhinos for their horns.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2015

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.