MADISON, Wis. — The Henry Vilas Zoo is saying farewell to one of its most popular residents.
Harmon the southern white rhino will leave the zoo and go to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility on a breeding recommendation, the zoo announced Friday.
The 11-year-old male will play an important role in conservation efforts for his species. According to the zoo, Harmon is right around the age where male white rhinos reach sexual maturity.
The zoo said it will not bring in another rhino in the foreseeable future as it prepares to break ground on the new Edge of Africa giraffe project next year. The project will remodel the zoo’s former giraffe habitat and current rhino exhibit into a world-class giraffe exhibit.
Guests can swing by the zoo’s Guest Services building until Nov. 11 to sign a going away card for Harmon.
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