Denver Zoo mourns death of endangered rhino | News

DENVER -- George, a 28-year-old endangered black rhinoceros at Denver Zoo, was euthanized Tuesday due to deteriorating health, managers said.

"All of us at Denver Zoo will miss George greatly,” said Denver Zoo spokesperson Tiffany Barnhart. “He was a wonderful animal and a great ambassador for his wild brethren.”

Barnhart said animal staff had been monitoring and treating George for a variety of health issues, but his condition took a turn for the worse when zookeepers found him struggling to stand in the indoor habitat of the pachyderm building.

Black rhinos are critically endangered in the wild and there are less than 90 black rhinos in North American zoos.

“A loss like this is felt among each zoo that has worked so hard to support the conservation of this animal. It is a tragic loss that is felt by many,” said Barnhart.

George was the ninth-oldest black rhino in captivity in the world. He had been living at the zoo since 1984.