MONTREAL – The Granby Zoo in Quebec is mourning the passing of Shaboola, a notable 45-year-old white rhinoceros who held the distinction of being the first of her species born in Canada. The zoo made the announcement this week, revealing that the beloved rhino was euthanized after her health had significantly deteriorated in recent times.

Shaboola was born at the Toronto Zoo on October 13, 1979. At the time of her death, she was recognized as the oldest white rhino in Canada and the third oldest female white rhino in North America. Throughout her life, Shaboola endeared herself to both caregivers and visitors alike due to her calm and gentle demeanor. This gentle temperament made her a cherished resident not just in Toronto, where she spent the initial part of her life, but also in Granby, where she moved in 2012.

Over the years, Shaboola faced a myriad of health challenges. These issues were compounded in recent years and included significant ailments such as arthritis, foot problems, dental complications, and kidney issues. These conditions adversely affected her mobility and overall quality of life, leading the zoo’s veterinary team to make the difficult decision to euthanize her in order to end her suffering.

In light of Shaboola's passing, the Granby Zoo has announced plans to welcome two new female white rhinos. The introduction of these new animals is intended to coexist with K.C., a male white rhino who was Shaboola's companion for over ten years. The zoo is looking forward to the possibility of breeding these rhinos in hopes of continuing conservation efforts for their species.

This news has understandably struck a chord with animal lovers and the community, highlighting the impact Shaboola had throughout her life. Her legacy appears to be one of gentle interactions and the importance of conservation, as the Granby Zoo continues to work towards preserving the future of white rhinos. Shaboola will be remembered not just as a remarkable individual, but also as a symbol of the efforts to protect endangered species and promote awareness regarding their critical status in the wild.

The Granby Zoo's announcement serves not only as a tribute to a beloved animal but also as a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing wildlife conservation efforts, particularly for species like the white rhinoceros. The zoo's initiatives aim to honor Shaboola’s memory while actively engaging in future programming that supports animal welfare and conservation.