The oldest rhinoceros in the United States, Dolly, has passed away at the age of 56 at Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee. According to the zoo, Dolly was euthanized on Thursday, February 15, 2024, after a rapid decline in mobility despite receiving extensive geriatric medical care. The veterinary team, in collaboration with specialists from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, concluded that no further treatments could sustain an acceptable quality of life. Dolly, a southern white rhinoceros, was born in 1968 in South Africa’s Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and arrived at Zoo Knoxville in 1976. Over the years, she became a significant figure in conservation efforts, successfully raising 10 calves. Her presence contributed to educational programs and public awareness campaigns about the species’ ongoing survival challenges.

Southern white rhinoceroses, despite being the most numerous among the five rhinoceros species, continue to face population decline due to habitat loss and poaching. The median life expectancy for this species is 36.5 years, making Dolly’s lifespan remarkable. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has reported that the global rhinoceros population has plummeted from approximately 500,000 in the early 20th century to just 27,000 today. With over 10,000 rhinos killed for their horns in the past decade, conservation initiatives remain critical. Zoo Knoxville emphasized Dolly’s profound impact on visitors and staff, highlighting her gradual transition from a fiercely protective mother to a more relaxed presence in her later years. The zoo expressed commitment to continuing conservation efforts to protect remaining rhino populations from further decline.