Howard the rhino euthanized after four years at the Phoenix Zoo

Howard the Southern White Rhinoceros faced heavy health complications before zoo keepers made the decision to put him down.

By Spencer West

October 7, 2024

RIP Howard the rhino. Courtesy of Phoenix Zoo

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The Phoenix Zoo announced Howard the rhino’s passing on Sept. 29, citing serious health complications as the reason for euthanization.

In a statement, the Phoenix Zoo said that after "being treated for a protracted and progressive neurological condition that became unresponsive to treatment, the Zoo’s veterinarians and keepers made the difficult decision to euthanize Howard.”

A preliminary pathology report revealed that Howard was suffering from meningitis and sepsis.

Howard was born at the White Oak Conservation Center in Yulee, Florida, in 1997.

Howard lived at the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, Florida, for 13 years before being moved to the Phoenix Zoo in 2020.

In his four years at the Phoenix Zoo, Howard quickly became a beloved member of the zoo.

“Howard was an easy-going rhino who always enjoyed interacting with his keepers. He was always happy to spend time near his keepers for as long as he could convince anyone to stand still and scratch him. He will be greatly missed by everyone on the Hoofstock team."

LouLou the Southern White Rhino is now the only remaining Southern White Rhino in the Phoenix Zoo.

The Zoo is still awaiting additional information on Howard’s health complications, with more in the coming weeks.

Spencer West

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