Rare White Rhino Dies At San Diego Zoo

Following the death of Nola the Northern White Rhino at the San Diego Zoo, only three Northern White Rhinos remain in the world.

Nola, who was transferred to the San Diego Zoo from the Czech Republic in 1989, had been under medical care since September. The 41-year-old rhino also underwent surgery for a chronic infection earlier this month. Though initial reports stated that Nola was returning to her normal habits following the surgery, the zoo announced via Facebook that Nola was euthanized after a bacterial infection developed.

Northern White Rhinos are at extreme risk due in part to poaching. Only three of the species remain under 24/7 watch at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.

Though the future of this species looks very bleak, researchers at the San Diego Zoo and Ol Pejeta Conservancy have been studying rhinos genetic makeup and are hopeful their stem cell research will lead to surrogate pregnancies.

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Rhino Named Hope Survives Poacher Attack

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A team of veterinarians help dress Hope's wound with a new cast on May 18. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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The group offers an update on Hope's condition after her surgery: "She is alive!!" (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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"Even though she is far from out of danger, her bloods have come back surprisingly clean," the group wrote on May 19. They noted a "marked improvement" in Hope's condition from the previous day, adding her appetite returning. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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"Sorry for the graphic nature of the photos, but people should start seeing what is being done to our rhino...and what we deal with on a daily basis," wrote the group after posting a photo of Hope's wound. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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Veterinarians cover Hope's wound with a fibreglass cast. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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Two days after her surgery, veterinarians note Hope's strength slowly returning to her. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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Hope pictured on May 24. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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Veterinarians note positive signs with Hope's recovery including improvements with her breathing, eating, and drinking. Here she is in a photo uploaded to Facebook on May 25. (credit:Saving The Survivors/Facebook)

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Rare White Rhino Dies At San Diego Zoo

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