Southern white rhino George
Utah's Hogle Zoo mourns the passing of longtime zoo resident.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is deeply saddened to share the loss of southern white rhino George, who passed away on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. At 48, George was one of the oldest southern white rhinos under human care and one of Hogle Zoo’s longest residents. Surrounded by his dedicated care and veterinary teams, George was humanely euthanized after his health declined in the last few weeks.
George has been a part of Hogle Zoo and our visitors’ memories for decades, since he arrived in 1977 at just under one year old. George was joined shortly after by Princess, his half-sister.
As George entered his golden years, he began experiencing dental disease, muscle atrophy, and a general slowing down – much like human seniors. George received special bedding and flooring, supplements, medication, and treatment to support his comfort. The treatment plan was modified daily if needed as our dedicated team of zoo experts, including veterinarians, keepers, and operations, worked together to provide George with the highest level of care.
In early 2024, George was diagnosed with rapidly advancing cancer in his rear left leg. Our zoo’s veterinarians consulted with human and veterinary oncologists to consider various treatment options for the cancer. However, no long-term treatment options were available based on his age, size, and thick skin. In November 2024, our expert animal care and health teams discovered two new masses on the back half of his body, which they managed with daily medications in fruit to support his comfort and mobility.
Every day, a dedicated team of zoo experts, including veterinarians, keepers, and operations, worked together to provide George with the highest level of care. Their advanced geriatric care is evidence of our team’s commitment to wellbeing as animals enter the end of their lives.
“I have loved being part of Princess and George’s health care team for the past 18 years. I work with a lot of unique and amazing species at Hogle Zoo, but I have an extra soft spot for the gentle rhino giants. The veterinary team made house calls to George nearly every day for about a year and a half as we helped him through his old age conditions. George would eat his breakfast in an area where we could administer treatments. He was very good-natured with all the different treatments we tried. It was fun to scratch and talk to him up close while he chomped and slurped away at his food,” shares Dr. Erika Crook, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Board Certified Specialist in Zoological MedicineTM – Director of Animal Health for Utah’s Hogle Zoo. “We consulted with rhino colleagues and a handful of veterinary and human specialists to give him top-notch care. Everyone agreed we were doing all we could for George.”
In their natural habitat, rhinos can live up to 20-25 years old. With exceptional health care and no predators in managed care, old male southern white rhinos can live into their mid-40s, leading them to experience natural ailments of old age.
At 45, George’s half-sister Princess is also considered geriatric for her species. In July 2024, our team observed Princess displaying abnormal behaviors. Based on her behavior and symptoms, which appeared to be neurologic, we believe she had a seizure. We consult with rhino experts and treat her seizures with twice-daily medication and modified care. After his passing, we provided Princess time and space to see George. Princess and George have lived together for 44 years, and this practice is helpful for social bonds and understanding.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with rhinos since 2002 and came to Hogle Zoo in 2015 to work with George and Princess specifically. Over the years, I have attended seven International Rhino Keeper Workshops and eight rhino conferences, worked with wild greater one-horned rhinos in Nepal, and visited white and black rhinos across several African countries. White rhinos have always been my favorite species to work with ever since I became a zookeeper over 20 years ago. Learning more about them and sharing my experiences with all rhino lovers worldwide has always been my passion,” shares Melissa Dacumos, Associate Director of Animal Care for High Desert Oasis, African Savanna, and Aline W. Skaggs Wild Utah.
Hogle Zoo’s animal health team performed a postmortem exam to understand further factors impacting George and advance our scientific understanding of rhinos, positively impacting rhino wellbeing and conservation worldwide. “The stories of George and Princess’ care in Utah have circulated throughout the entire international community of rhino experts from the Rhino Research Counsel, Rhino Taxon Advisory Group, and other AZA program leaders for the species on advancement in geriatric care and training; something we are very proud of,” says Dacumos.
Caring for George for as long as we did is an honor and a privilege. We are deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, and guests who loved him over the years. George and Princess have been a cherished part of many zoo visits and memories across generations, and we know how much they mean to you.
We share in your grief and understand the emotions that come with this tremendous loss. Thank you for your compassion and understanding during this time as we support our staff and resident animals.
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About southern white rhinos
Southern white rhinos live in the grasslands, savannas, and shrublands of South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Uganda. They are the third largest land animal after the two species of elephants. White rhinos have two horns and are called square-lipped rhinos because of their wide, straight upper lip for “mowing grass.”
Rhino conservation
At the start of the 20th century, about 500,000 rhinos shared the planet with us. Today, roughly 28,000 rhinos remain. Four of the five rhino species are threatened with extinction; three are critically endangered and could become extinct within our lifetime. Rhinos are threatened by poaching for rhino horn, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo partners with the International Rhino Foundation to support anti-poaching efforts, reduce rhino-horn trafficking, and support local communities. Just by visiting Hogle Zoo, part of your ticket goes towards conservation efforts like these around the globe.
Animal Wellbeing
Providing excellent animal wellbeing through animal health is an essential priority for Hogle Zoo. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, committing ourselves to the highest animal care standards. Learn more about animal wellbeing –>
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