It is with profound sadness that we share difficult news with our zoo community. On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, we unexpectedly lost Thelma, one of our cherished white rhinoceroses. This loss has deeply affected our animal care staff, zoo team, and all who consider Southwick’s Zoo family.
Louise, Thelma’s longtime companion, is currently receiving veterinary care and continues to show encouraging signs of improvement. Out of an abundance of caution, she will remain off exhibit while our veterinary team continues to monitor her closely and completes additional testing.
To better understand the circumstances surrounding Thelma’s passing, an experienced pathology team from Tufts Veterinary Hospital performed a comprehensive necropsy. We are also grateful for the support and collaboration of veterinary professionals from Capron Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and Dr. Bergmann. Our own veterinary team, Dr. Samantha King and Dr. Peter Brewer, along with our dedicated hoofstock keepers and the entire Southwick’s Zoo staff, have worked tirelessly throughout this process to ensure Louise receives the highest level of care.
As many of you know, our rhinos have played a special role in connecting guests with wildlife through educational experiences offered by our nonprofit conservation partner, EARTH Ltd. Thelma was an extraordinary ambassador for her species. Through her calm demeanor and gentle personality, she inspired countless visitors to learn about rhino conservation and the challenges wild rhino populations face. The encounters she participated in helped raise meaningful support for rhino conservation initiatives in southern Africa, directly contributing to efforts that protect this remarkable species.
Those who had the privilege of working with Thelma knew her as a mellow, trusting, and gentle animal. She and Louise genuinely enjoyed spending time with their dedicated keepers and encounter participants, often leaning in for scratches and affection that would leave them completely relaxed – even drifting off to sleep. The bond they shared with their caregivers was truly special, making this loss especially difficult for everyone who knew and loved them.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn Thelma, and our team remains focused on Louise’s recovery. We are awaiting the final pathology results, which may provide additional information about the cause of Thelma’s passing and help guide Louise’s ongoing care. Until our veterinary team is confident that she has been fully evaluated and cleared, Louise will remain off exhibit.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the many veterinary professionals, animal care experts, and zoological colleagues who have generously shared their time, expertise, and compassion. We are especially thankful to the teams from Tufts Veterinary Hospital, Capron Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and our own veterinarians, Dr. Samantha King and Dr. Peter Brewer, along with our dedicated hoofstock staff. Their countless hours of treatment, consultation, diagnostics, and unwavering commitment to Louise’s care have been nothing short of extraordinary. The willingness of so many professionals to come together in support of our animals is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the zoological and veterinary community, and we are sincerely grateful for their dedication during this time.
We appreciate the compassion, patience, and support shown by our guests, members, colleagues, and the zoological community. Thank you for keeping our animal care team and Thelma and Louise in your thoughts as we work through this heartbreaking time together.
We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available regarding the necropsy findings and Louise’s ongoing treatment and recovery.
