KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (AP) — The United States mourns the loss of its beloved elderly rhinoceros at a renowned zoo in Tennessee. Dolly, the treasured rhino, aged 56, bid farewell to this world recently.
In a heartfelt announcement shared on social media, Zoo Knoxville revealed that Dolly had been compassionately euthanized due to a significant decline in her mobility over the past few days. Despite receiving attentive medical care tailored for her advanced age, Dolly’s health had reached a stage where the zoo’s veterinary team, in consultation with experts from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, concluded that no further treatment options could sustain her quality of life.
Expressing deep sorrow, Bill Street, the President and CEO of Zoo Knoxville, reflected on Dolly’s enduring legacy, stating, “This is a poignant moment for all those who have nurtured and adored Dolly. She was a remarkable creature, and her influence on this zoo and those who crossed paths with her is immeasurable. Our utmost concern was her comfort and dignity, and we find solace in knowing that she was surrounded by the individuals who knew her best.”
Dolly’s journey began in 1968 at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in South Africa. Since 1976, she had been a cherished resident of the Knoxville zoo, where she played a pivotal role in the conservation efforts for the southern white rhino species. Throughout her illustrious life, Dolly nurtured ten calves and exhibited a fiercely protective nature towards them, coupled with a hint of stubbornness, as noted by the zoo.
Gradually transitioning into retirement, Dolly’s demeanor softened, with her days enriched by leisurely grazing and peaceful naps on the sandy terrain, as described on the zoo’s official website. While the median life expectancy for southern white rhinos stands at 36.5 years, Dolly defied the odds, captivating the hearts of many with her resilience and grace.
Despite the southern white rhino population being relatively widespread, their numbers continue to dwindle. At the onset of the 20th century, approximately half a million rhinos roamed the planet. Presently, a mere 27,000 rhinos exist globally, with a significant portion—around 17,000—comprising southern white rhinos. Tragically, over the past decade, an estimated 10,000 rhinos in Africa and Asia fell victim to illegal poaching, driven by the insatiable demand for their horns, as highlighted by the zoo’s conservation efforts.
