Exotic Incident #2884
Incident Date:
10/27/2008
Location:
Norfolk, VA - USA
Facility Name:
Virginia Zoo
Facility Type:
Accredited AZA Facility (AZA)
Incident Category:
Animal Death (AD)
Species:
Other
Animal:
White rhinoceros
Animal disposition:
Dead
Summary:
Rufus, a 34-year-old white rhinoceros, was found dead in the animals’ night house. Rufus apparently died after the zoo’s other rhino, 40-year-old Alfred, charged at him and struck him in the side with his horn, causing severe internal injuries. A zoo official said the fatal incident was the result of an error on the part of a zoo staff member because the two rhinos were meant to be kept separated.
Action take by Born Free USA:
Notes:
http://articles.dailypress.com/2008-10-28/news/0810270153_1_two-rhinos-white-rhinos-virginia-zoo