Nola, one of the four remaining northern white rhinos on the planet, passed away Sunday.
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Nola's home since 1989, confirmed her death. She was 41 years old, which is elderly by species standards.
We're devastated by the loss of Nola. Only 3 northern white rhinos remain. Pls share condolences using #Nola4Ever. pic.twitter.com/g9TkZpzVRz— San Diego Zoo Safari (@sdzsafaripark) November 22, 2015
Nola had been under veterinary care for a bacterial infection that stemmed from a pelvic abscess, as well as "age-related health issues", a zoo press release said.
Keepers had been watching Nola around-the-clock since earlier this week when they noticed she began showing signs of a reduced appetite and activity level. In the last 24 hours Nola’s condition worsened significantly and the animal care team at the Safari Park were maintaining her on intensified treatment efforts. Early this morning, the team made the difficult decision to euthanize her.
The San Diego Zoo called Nola an "iconic" animal. She was the only northern white rhino in North America; the other three are under 24-hour surveillance and armed guard in Kenya. In response to the #Nola4Ever hashtag started by the zoo, others are sharing their Nola memories and photos.
Whenever I was at the @sdzsafaripark I didn't know if I'd ever see her species again. 2 weeks ago 11/8/15 #Nola4Ever pic.twitter.com/ZKEvBSqgEy— Rachel (@The_NobleWoman) November 22, 2015
#Nola4Ever pic.twitter.com/WRpDU6xOEX— R∆E (@regan_watt) November 22, 2015
Rest in Peace sweet Nola. I am so honored to have met you and you will forever be a part of our lives. #Nola4Ever pic.twitter.com/Pl3HNXIjEQ— Michelle Fryer (@mlynnfryer) November 22, 2015
To watch extinction happen right before you at a place you visit at least once a month is eye opening #Nola4Ever but life always goes on— Brian (@BrianMSims) November 22, 2015
San Diego Zoo lost its other northern white rhino, a 44-year-old male named Angalifu, to cancer in Dec. 2014. Another female, Nabire, died in a Czech zoo earlier this year.