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Zoo Mourns Beloved White Rhino, Thelma
10 Jul
Summary
- A white rhinoceros named Thelma unexpectedly died last month.
- Her death deeply affected zoo staff and her companion Louise.
- Thelma was an ambassador for rhino conservation, inspiring many visitors.
Southwick's Zoo is mourning the unexpected death of Thelma, one of its white rhinoceroses, who passed away on Tuesday, June 30. This loss has profoundly affected the zoo's animal care staff and the broader zoo family.
Her passing has also impacted her longtime companion, Louise, who is currently receiving veterinary care. The white rhinoceros exhibit remains closed to the public as the zoo navigates this difficult time. A comprehensive necropsy is underway by a pathology team from Tufts University to determine the cause of death and inform Louise's ongoing care.
Thelma was remembered by keepers as a mellow, trusting, and gentle animal. She played a significant role in conservation education, inspiring visitors to support rhino conservation efforts in southern Africa. White rhinos are the second-largest land mammal, with a global population of approximately 16,000 individuals remaining.
