Indianapolis Zoo says goodbye to iconic white rhino Gloria

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Zoo announced Wednesday that it had to make a very tough decision recently.

The zoo had to say goodbye to Gloria, a 47-year-old white rhinoceros who’s been a fixture in the Plains biome for the past 18 years. The zoo made the announcement in a social media post.

Several animals at the Indianapolis Zoo live well into their old age, a result of the dedicated care they receive throughout their lives. This commitment requires caregivers to make difficult but compassionate decisions when an animal’s quality of life declines and it shows signs of distress.

The zoo said Gloria’s health and mobility declined in recent weeks, and animal care staff noticed she had trouble moving within her habitat. She had not responded to medical treatment intended to make her more comfortable. Following consultations with the zoo’s veterinary team, staff decided to humanely euthanize Gloria to relieve her sufferi...