Rhino who went viral after falling asleep on road near Kaziranga found dead

Guwahati: The Kaziranga National Park rhinoceros that gained celebrity status after straying out near the bandar dhubi area at Bagori Range on July 17, tragically succumbed to death on Friday despite the best efforts of officials to nurse it back to health.

"With profound grief, we would like to inform you all that the rhino which has been straying at Bandardubi area since 17th July and drawn the attention of all concerned public was found dead at about 11 am on 24/07/2020 at the edge of Deopani River inside NP by the staff of Dusuti camp", the park officials posted on Twitter. The cause of death of the rhino has been ascertained as old-age related sickness.

"All available veterinary care was accorded to the ailing rhino. We lost him in spite of our best effort and care", the park authorities wrote in another tweet.

The rhino strayed out of the Kaziranga National Park near the Bandar Dhubi area at Bagori Range in Assam and was spotted near the NH37 highway, taking rest. According to Shiv Kumar, Director, Kaziranga National Park, a drive out operation was undertaken to guide the rhino back to the park. He added that the rhino was weak and adequate protection and veterinary support was being provided.

This incident occurred after severe flooding in Assam caused widespread devastation in several areas of the state and was well documented by the media. The scene of the tired rhino from the Kaziranga wilds resting in the middle of the road gained semi-iconic status and was widely shared on social media.

The rhino later moved back into the National Park's territory and in a video posted by the Kaziranga officials on the official twitter handle, was seen munching on leaves.

"He (Rhino who strayed out) has moved into the Park Territory. He is regaining his strength. Team Kaziranga is giving him his natural food. We along with Nagaon Police are guarding the area for his safety", the officials informed.

The rhino's death days after he captured the nation's consciousness is sure to break many a heart in Assam and beyond.

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