Zoo Euthanizes Ailing Rhino Herman

Herman, the oldest male Indian rhinoceros in North America, was euthanized at the Los Angeles Zoo on Thursday after veterinarians determined that keeping the seriously ill animal alive was inhumane.

The 4,500-pound rhino, which was 36, was blind, had digestive problems and was lame in his right hind leg, zoo spokeswoman Lora LaMarca said.

“It was a very difficult decision, but everyone knew that he was an old guy with a lot of pain and discomfort,” zoo veterinarian Marnie Lamm said.

Herman’s sperm was collected before his death to use in a program to breed Indian rhinos.