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Paignton Zoo staff are mourning the loss of a black rhinoceros which was put to sleep after battling a chronic medical condition.

The rhino, Manyara, had been with the Devon-based zoo since June 2010, where he lived with female Eastern black rhinoceros Sita, who passed on last year.

The animal had grown hugely popular with visitors and staff at the zoo, who affectionately nicknamed him Mani.

In a statement, Paignton Zoo said Mani had been suffering with a chronic condition which had stopped responding to treatment.

His condition began to decline and Mani's quality of life was impacted by his illness, the zoo said. On Tuesday, September 2, Mani was put to sleep.

It comes one year after zookeepers made the 'extremely difficult decision' to put Sita to sleep, after the female black rhino suffered a debilitating illness which also stopped responding to treatment.

Paignton Zoo said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Manyara, our beloved black rhinoceros, who was peacefully put to sleep on Tuesday 2 September 2025.

"Manyara had been battling a chronic condition that had stopped responding to medical treatment.

"Following a decline in his condition that was beginning to impact his quality of life, our veterinary team made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanise him.

"Born at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park on 18 September 2002, Manyara joined us at Paignton Zoo in June 2010.

"For many years, he shared his enclosure with Sita, our female Eastern black rhinoceros, who sadly passed away in 2024.

"Manyara, affectionately nicknamed "Mani" by our dedicated keeping staff, was extremely popular with both team members and visitors alike.

"He was known for his wonderfully gentle nature combined with a playful spirit that endeared him to everyone who met him.

"While Mani never bred, he served as an invaluable ambassador for his species, educating thousands of visitors about the critical plight of rhinoceros in the wild and the urgent need for conservation action.

"The Eastern black rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered by the IUCN, making every individual incredibly precious.

"Paignton Zoo remains committed to rhino conservation through our support of the Dambari Wildlife Trust in Zimbabwe's Matobo Hills to protect both black and white rhinoceros populations in their natural habitat.

"Mani will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We are grateful for the time we had with him and for your support as we honour his memory. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched as a powerful ambassador for his species.

"We welcome you to celebrate Mani's life and to and offer condolences to all who are feeling his absence."