The Toronto Zoo has recently bid farewell to two of its long-term residents, who have served as ambassadors for their species in the wild. The zoo announced the passing of a 14-year-old white rhinoceros named Zohari and a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla named Charles.
Zohari, who was born at the Toronto Zoo in 2007, was a beloved member of the zoo’s white rhinoceros herd. She was known for her gentle nature and her role in educating visitors about the plight of her species in the wild. White rhinoceroses are listed as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with only around 20,000 individuals remaining in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss.
Charles, who was born at the Bronx Zoo in 2004 and came to the Toronto Zoo in 2008, was a dominant male in the zoo’s western lowland gorilla troop. He was known for his impressive size and strength, as well as his gentle and protective nature towards the younger members of the troop. Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, with only around 100,000 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat destruction and poaching.
Both Zohari and Charles were important ambassadors for their species, helping to raise awareness about the threats they face in the wild and the importance of conservation efforts. The Toronto Zoo is deeply saddened by their passing and will greatly miss their presence.
The zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams worked tirelessly to provide the best possible care for Zohari and Charles, but unfortunately, both animals succumbed to age-related health issues. The average lifespan for white rhinoceroses is 40-50 years, while western lowland gorillas can live up to 50 years in captivity.
The Toronto Zoo is committed to the conservation of endangered species and will continue to work towards protecting and preserving these magnificent animals in the wild. The zoo also offers various educational programs and initiatives to raise awareness and inspire action towards conservation efforts.
The loss of Zohari and Charles is a reminder of the fragility of these species and the urgent need for conservation efforts. The Toronto Zoo encourages visitors to honor their memory by learning more about these incredible animals and supporting conservation efforts in any way they can.
