KYODO NEWS - Sep 8, 2018 - 17:37 | Lifestyle, All

The world's oldest black rhinoceros in captivity has died at the estimated age of 52 at a zoo in Hiroshima, zoo officials said Saturday.

The female rhino, Hana, was brought to the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park in 1971 from Kenya and became the oldest black rhinoceros in 2016. She gave birth to 10 calves, contributing to the preservation of the endangered species.

(Photo courtesy of Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park)

As Hana's temperature dropped Friday evening, zoo staff warmed her room but she was found dead the next morning. She is believed to have died of old age, according to the zoo.

"She made a big contribution as the face of the zoo for many years. I hope she rests in peace," Hiroaki Shimada, head of the park's public relations division, said.