Officials of the San Diego Zoo announced on Dec. 15 the death of Angalifu, a male northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) who was being treated for geriatric conditions.
The death of the 44-year-old animal at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park the day before reflects the grim situation of his species. Angalifu was one of the six remaining northern white rhinoceros on Earth, and his passing marks the nearing extinction of his kind.
"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you that Angalifu passed away today," the San Diego Zoo Safari Park stated. "He was 44 years old and under veterinary care for geriatric conditions for some time. The loss of this animal is a tragedy, so we ask you to share condolences with our staff."
With Angalifu gone, the only known northern white rhinoceros alive today are an elderly female named Nola, which is also currently under the care of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park; a 31-year-old female named Nabire, which is at the Dvůr Králové Zoo in Czech Republic, and three others that are currently in a wildlife conservancy in Africa.
"Angalifu's death is a tremendous loss to all of us," said Randy Rieches, curator of mammals at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. "Not only because he was well beloved here at the Park but also because his death brings this wonderful species one step closer to extinction."
Just like most animals that are now on the verge of extinction, the number of northern white rhinoceros was drastically reduced because of poaching in Africa. In 1960, there were over 2,000 northern whites but by 1984, only about 15 of these animals were left.
Rhinos are hunted because of their horns, which could fetch thousands of dollars. Experts describe the trade as more lucrative than illicit drug dealing. Rhino horn is particularly in demand in East Asia, where buyers believe it can cure a number of ailments.
Only a few of northern white rhinoceros were preserved at zoos and sadly, many of these did not reproduce. Previous attempts to mate the two northern whites at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, for instance, were not successful.
Some of Angalifu's semen and testicular tissue were kept in the hope that new reproductive methods could still pave way for the recovery of the species.
