Brookfield, IL – Nakili, the oldest male living in an accredited North American zoo, has been humanely euthanized at 33 years of age. According to the Brookfield Zoo, Nakili was diagnosed with progressive, non-reversible kidney disease in 2022 and staff had been providing supportive care to keep him as comfortable as possible.

Recently, his blood work revealed that the disease had progressed to a point where supportive care was no longer feasible to maintain his quality of life, prompting the difficult decision to euthanize him.

Nakilli arrived at the zoo in 1994 at the age of four and he was a favorite among staff and guests who appreciated his adorable head tilt and great disposition.

According to the zoo, he has one living offspring named Kianga, who was born at Brookfield Zoo in 2003 and currently resides at another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo.

The zoo said:

The eastern black rhinoceros is the most endangered of the three black rhinoceros subspecies—an estimated population of only 740 individuals remains in Africa. The species’ main threat continues to be poaching for its horn, which is used for medicinal and ornamental purposes.

Rest in peace Nakili.

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