US: Oldest male black rhino in a North American zoo, Nakili, euthanised

The oldest male black rhino accredited to a North American zoo, Nakili, was euthanised on Wednesday, Brookfield Zoo said. In a statement announcing his death on Wednesday, the zoo said that the rhinoceros was recently diagnosed with a kidney disease which could not be treated.

The rhinoceros weighed nearly 3,000 pounds and millions of visitors have seen the animal since he arrived in the zoo at the age of four. Nakili helped the guests understand his fellow leathery-skinned eastern black rhinoceroses. The zoo also said in the statement that Nakili conveyed the plight the critically endangered species faces in its native habitat of Arica.

Remarkably, around 740 eastern black rhinoceroses remain in Africa. The endangered species is further facing threats of poaching of its horn. Brookfield Zoo’s animal keepers reportedly remembered how Nakili would tilt his horned head when he wanted something and vocalise to get their attention.




“He definitely leaves a big, lovable hole in the hearts of those who cared for him,” the zoo said.

Joan Daniels, senior director of hoofed mammal care and conservation also noted that Nakili was the favourite animal among zoo staff, volunteers and visitors. He also recalled that Nakili had a “great disposition and voluntarily participated” during his training and husbandry sessions. Daniels also participated in up-close experiences with zoo guests and left inspired by him to care more about his species and the natural world.

Following the diagnosis of progressive kidney disease in August 2022, the zoo staff tried to get the animal to drink more water, administered medicine and even modified his diet. However, recent reports had revealed that it was no longer treatable. The statement said that the staff decided to euthanise him “before his comfort and quality of life began to decline”.

FAQs

1. How many rhinoceroses are estimated to be in Africa?
   740
2. Who was the oldest male black rhino accredited to a North American zoo?
   Nakili, who was euthanised in May 2023.