Rare Northern White Rhino Dies Leaving Only Four Left On The Planet
Recently a Northern white rhino, which was just one of four left on the planet died at the San Diego Zoo. The incredibly rare animal succumbed to a bacterial infection and was also very old. The 41 year old rhino named Nola came to the zoo back in 1989 to participate in a breeding program. Unfortunately her health took a turn for the worse following a surgical procedure the zoo said in a statement. After her appetite and activity levels declined the 4000 pound rhino was placed under watch. Veterinary workers decided she needed to be euthanised after her condition deteriorated significantly.
“Nola was an iconic animal, not only at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, but worldwide. Through the years, millions of people learned about Nola and the plight of rhinos in the wild through visits to the Safari Park, numerous media stories and social media posts.” the zoo said in a statement.
Species extinct
In 2008 the Northern white rhino was officially declared extinct. The species had been poached for their horns which were extremely valuable on the black market because in some cultures it is believed that the rhino horn has medicinal properties. Nola was the only Northern white rhino left in the Western Hemisphere. Following her death there are now just three others remaining at a conservation zoo in Kenya.
Breeding with close relatives
Nola was actually captured in the wild when she was just 2 years old and came to San Diego from a zoo in the Czech Republic. Her death comes in the wake of six Southern white rhinos, arriving at the San Diego Zoo from South Africa in order to try and get Nola to breed with her close cousins. Scientists are not certain whether Northern white rhinos and Southern white rhinos are distinct species or sub species.
Southern white rhino also in danger
Studies are being conducted to work out whether the estimated 20,000 Southern white rhinos left in the wild are close enough genetically to act maternal surrogates for implanted embryos that can be developed from the DNA of the Northern white rhino according to Christina Simmons a spokeswoman for the zoo. Conservationists are also worried about the Southern white rhino which are being killed by poacher at the rate of three a day.
