California IN BRIEF : SAN DIEGO : White Rhinoceros Dies at Animal Park

Dinka, an endangered Northern white rhinoceros and one of fewer than 35 left in captivity, has died at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, possibly of old age. Park spokesman Tom Hanscom described Dinka as “simply a very old rhino and on his way out.” Tests will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, he said. Dinka was captured as an adult in the wilds of Sudan in 1953 and moved to the Wild Animal Park in October, 1982. The Northern white is the largest rhinoceros in the world, averaging about 6,000 pounds. The animal is distinguished by its wide upper lip and is not white at all, he said.