TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - There was a special birthday party held Thursday at the Toledo Zoo.
Sam, a white rhinoceros at the Toledo Zoo, is 42 years old and in great shape for his age.
Thursday, he celebrated with a special enrichment treat birthday cake that included his favorite fruits and veggies.
Nearby was Sam's companion Lulu, who is also getting up there in age.
Sam was donated to the zoo by the Philadelphia Zoo in 1986.
Both Sam and Lulu are pampered. We're told they get a special version of pedicures and foot massages.
In addition, their enclosures have special rubber mats for these multi-ton creatures to stand on.
The rhinos also get special geriatric care, but don't need a lot of meds.
"The only thing that we give them is medicine for arthritis. They get that every other day. Beyond that, these guys are really healthy. Haven't had many medical issues. That is credited to the zoo staff and vet staff working closely together," said mammal zookeeper Katelyn Babcock.
White rhinos are listed as an endangered species with only approximately 11,000 surviving in the wild.
