Indianapolis Zoo rhino dies from cancer

The Indianapolis Zoo lost its 36-year-old white rhinoceros to a cancerous tumor found in its leg, officials announced Wednesday in a Facebook post.

The rhino, Spike, was first introduced to zoo patrons in 2007 when he was 19 years old.

What was Spike the rhino like?

Laid back and relaxed, Spike was said to get along with everyone , according to a Facebook post by the Indianapolis Zoo. He was a favorite stop for visitors taking behind-the-scenes tours at the zoo. Spike enjoyed his alfalfa snacks and attention from his keepers.

We are sad to report the passing of 36-year-old southern white rhinoceros Spike. The Zoo’s vet team recently determined...

Posted by Indianapolis Zoo on Wednesday, September 11, 2024

How long do white rhinos live?

White rhinos can live to be between 35-40 years old, according to the International Rhino Foundation. Mothers usually give birth to a single calf every 2 or 3 years.

How big can white rhinos get?

White rhinos typically weigh between 4,000-6,000 pounds and can be as tall as 6 feet at the shoulder, according to IRF. White rhinos can grow to a length of 16 feet.

How big a white rhino horn?

White rhinos have two horns, the larger front horn can grow up to 79 inches long and the smaller rear horn can reach up to 22 inches.

Are white rhinos endangered?

The species as a whole is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of threatened species. There are an estimated 10,080 mature white rhinos in the wild, and that number is said to be in decline. A subspecies, the northern white rhino, is classified as critically endangered as only two remain living in Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

The Indianapolis Zoo partners with other groups to support large African animals like the white rhino through the Tanzania Conservation Research Program .

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Zoo rhino dies from cancer