Spike the rhino passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11. Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Zoo.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo announced the passing a “beloved” southern white rhinoceros after cancer battle.

Spike the rhino celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday, Sept. 3, just days before losing his battle with cancer on Wednesday, Sept. 11. According to the zoo’s Facebook page, the Zoo’s vet team recently determined that Spike had a cancerous tumor in his leg.

Spike first arrived at the Indianapolis Zoo in October of 2007 at age 19. The median lifespan for a southern white rhino is 36.5 years.

Zookeepers say Spike was a laid back and relaxed rhino bull who got along with everyone. He was the highlight of hundreds of behind-the-scenes tours and always enjoyed getting alfalfa snacks, pets and attention from his keepers.

The Indianapolis Zoo wrote on Facebook, “Spike was beloved by his keepers and by Zoo guests … He will be greatly missed by Zoo staff, volunteers and guests.”