Important update regarding our black rhino, Manyara

Statement from Paignton Zoo (Wednesday 3 September 2025):

“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. 

Manyara was born at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park on 18 September 2002 and arrived at Paignton Zoo on 16 June 2010 at seven years old. For many years, he shared his enclosure with Sita, our female Eastern black rhinoceros, who sadly passed away in 2024. 

Affectionately nicknamed “Mani” by our dedicated keeping staff, he 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 Manyara 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. 

Manyara 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 with us by sharing memories and messages of condolences to all who are feeling his absence. “