INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo on Wednesday announced the death of a 36-year-old rhinoceros.
Spike, a southern white rhinoceros, arrived at the zoo in October 2007 at age 19.
The Zoo said in a social media post that its vet team had recently discovered a cancerous tumor in Spike's leg.
The median lifespan for a southern white rhino is 36.5 years, the zoo said.
"[Spike] was a laid back and relaxed rhino bull who got along with everyone," the zoo said in the post. "He was the highlight of hundreds of behind-the-scenes tours and always enjoyed getting alfalfa snacks, pets and attention from his keepers. He will be greatly missed by Zoo staff, volunteers and guests."
