ASHEBORO, N.C. (ACME NEWS) — The North Carolina Zoo announced the death of Olivia, a 54-year-old southern white rhinoceros who lived at the facility for more than 30 years. Zoo staff euthanized the animal Sept. 15 due to declining health related to her advanced age.
Olivia arrived at the Zoo in 1987 as part of a breeding pair with male rhino Stan, though no offspring were born. After Stan died in 2019, Olivia spent her remaining years living in retirement on the Zoo’s 40-acre Watani Grasslands, where she took on the role of “Great Auntie” to the younger rhinos.
As one of the oldest female rhinoceroses in Association of Zoos and Aquariums venues, Olivia served as an ambassador for rhino conservation. Wild rhino populations, estimated between 19,000 and 21,000, face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.
“Due to her significantly advanced age, we have been closely monitoring Olivia for any signs of declining health for the past few years,” said Dr. JB Minter, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health. “The culmination of several health conditions led to a significant decrease in her quality of life and her ability to get around comfortably.”
Zookeeper Anna Hinson, who cared for Olivia for several years, said the animal’s longevity reflected the quality of her care.
“Even in her golden years, it’s truly remarkable how she stuck to her routine,” Hinson said. “I’ll forever be richer for having worked with her.”
Southern white rhinos were hunted to near extinction by the early 20th century for their horns, which some mistakenly believe have medicinal properties. Rhino horn is composed of keratin, the same material found in human fingernails and hair.
The Zoo partners with conservation organizations across Southern Africa to protect the species using SMART technology, an application that helps national parks and protected areas monitor wildlife distribution and combat poaching.
The second-largest land mammal after elephants, southern white rhinos weigh 4,000 to 5,000 pounds at full maturity and grow 12 to 13 feet long. Olivia weighed approximately 3,200 pounds. These herbivores graze on grass, helping maintain diverse African grasslands and provide habitat for other species.
The Zoo’s rhino crash now consists of eight females: Linda, Kit, Natalie, Abby, Nandi, Bonnie, Jojo and Mguu.
Donations in remembrance of Olivia and for rhino conservation around the world can be made by visiting online at N.C. Zoo Society Anti-Poaching Programs.
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