KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT/Gray News) – Dolly, the oldest rhinoceros in the United States, has died at the age of 56.
Officials at Zoo Knoxville announced her death on Thursday.
“This is an emotional time for everyone who has cared for and loved Dolly,” said Bill Street, President and CEO of Zoo Knoxville.
Dolly, a southern white rhino, was born in 1968 at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park in South Africa. She had lived at Zoo Knoxville since 1976 and was one of the first white rhinos housed at the zoo.
The zoo said Dolly raised 10 calves over her lifetime and was considered a “successful mother.”
“She was a remarkable animal, and her impact on this zoo and the people who have met her is immeasurable,” Street said.
Zoo Knoxville said that Dolly’s care team had been managing “age-related conditions” for some time but her mobility had declined recently.
A veterinary team, assisted by specialists from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine determined they couldn’t maintain Dolly’s quality of life and the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her.
“Our priority was her comfort and dignity, and we take comfort in knowing she was surrounded by the people who knew her best,” Street said.
Zoo Knoxville said the conservation efforts Dolly was a part of and “the many lives she touched” will keep her legacy going.
” Zoo Knoxville extends its gratitude to the community for their support as we remember and celebrate her extraordinary life,” the zoo said in their Facebook post.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums reported the median life expectancy of a southern white rhino is 36.5 years.
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