Granby, February 6, 2025 – The Granby Zoo is saying a heartfelt goodbye to Shaboola, the white rhinoceros who passed away peacefully after her health deteriorated in recent weeks. At 45 years old, Shaboola was the oldest white rhino in captivity in Canada and the third-oldest female in North America, far surpassing the species’ average lifespan of 36 years.
Born at The Toronto Zoo in 1979, Shaboola spent her final years at Granby Zoo, where she received exceptional care from dedicated zookeepers and veterinarians. Her life was filled with gentle routines, medical attention, and daily moments of enrichment provided by those who loved her.
A Difficult but Compassionate Decision
Despite years of pain management and medical treatments, Shaboola’s mobility issues, severe arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and dental complications worsened, impacting her quality of life. The Granby Zoo veterinary team made the difficult but compassionate decision to ease her suffering through euthanasia.
“Euthanasia is not a failure; it is an essential act of kindness to prevent unnecessary suffering,” explained Dr. Cédric Larouche, the zoo’s veterinarian.
Shaboola’s Lasting Legacy
Shaboola played a significant role in raising awareness about the conservation challenges faced by white rhinos, a species that remains threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Today, fewer than 10,000 white rhinos remain in the wild.
Her passing is a great loss, but her impact will live on as Granby Zoo continues its mission to protect and educate about endangered species.
Source: Translated from the Granby Zoo Facebook page
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