One of Marwell’s most popular animals, white rhino Hannu, has been put down after deteriorating arthritis in recent weeks.
![]( "Hannu at Marwell Zoo")
- Hannu at Marwell Zoo
Hannu, 29, enjoyed an illustrious life and arrived at Marwell in 1997. He quickly became a popular attraction at the zoological park.
But in recent years his arthritis had become more and more severe and led to more veterinary care. Marwell finally decided that in accordance with their ethical and welfare policy that Hannu should be put down.
Phil Robbins, Team Leader at Marwell, said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with such a gentle giant like Hannu.
“All the keepers on north section are going to thoroughly miss him. Although nine times out of 10 he was a gentlemen to Sula and Kiri, he could definitely assert his authority and put the girls back in their places when then they were naughty!
“He liked nothing better than to go out into the paddock on hot, summer days with his girls and enjoy the sunshine, have a wallow and rearrange the logs and fence line. He’ll be greatly missed.”
The famous white rhino was born on November 23 1983, at Knowsley Safari Park. Whilst at Marwell Wildlife Centre, the white rhino fathered two calves with Sula. They were transferred to Flamingo Land to start families of their own.