Auckland Zoo has euthanised its elderly rhino Zambezi due to age-related health conditions.<\/p>\n
The 36-year-old Southern white rhino was moved to Auckland from Hamilton Zoo in 2007.<\/p>\n
Auckland Zoo Veterinarian Dr Adam Naylor said Zambezi’s dental disease had made it difficult for him to eat.<\/p>\n
“We’ve been able to maintain Zambezi’s welfare through a combination of dental procedures, medication, husbandry, and dietary support. However, over a number of months, we have seen a deterioration in his dental health, he has had increased difficulty eating, and his body condition has gradually declined as a result.”<\/p>\n
Naylor said as Zambezi was approaching the end of his natural lifespan, vet and keeper teams had monitored him very closely in recent years.<\/p>\n
“As part of his care, he has received regular health assessments with the support of veterinary dental specialists. Dental disease is a common age-related health issue in rhinos; a result of continuous chewing and years of cumulative wear, particularly in long-lived individuals.”<\/p>\n
Naylor said that euthanasia before Zambezi started to suffer was the most humane option.<\/p>\n
“It’s never an easy decision to do this, and one we never take lightly, but, by acting now, we have been able to give him a peaceful and dignified end to his life.”<\/p>\n
With adult female Jamila, he had three offspring \u2013 females Nyah, 5, and Amali, 3, and male Zuka,1, \u2013 at the zoo.<\/p>\n
Last month, the zoo euthanised its last subantarctic seal<\/a>.<\/p>\n It said it could not maintain the environment needed for the 20-year-old named \u014crua, who was nearing the end of his life span.<\/p>\n