For those somehow incapable of clicking the link and reading the full article before jumping to conclusions -
FWC Wildlife officials say they were able to corroborate the park officials' version of events with surveillance footage.
"For more than twelve years, Wild Florida's mission has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation. Unfortunately, we are sometimes faced with unforeseen situations and circumstances that require an immediate response to ensure the continued safety of visitors, staff, neighbors, and, most importantly, animals in our care. In September 2022, a new rhino began to pose an imminent danger to the park at large, and after consultation with leadership and Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines, we made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the animal. As an organization, Wild Florida will continue providing the best care for our animal family and promote the importance of conservation through our educational programs."
WESH 2 received the following statement from Kate MacFall, Florida Senior State Director of the Humane Society of the United States:
"The rhino died a needless horrific death, all in the name for a ticket to the roadside zoo. A young white rhino is a wild, dangerous animal. It's no surprise that he would pose a danger to people and the other animals, especially in captivity. Florida has many problem exhibitors; this authority was clearly not capable of handling this animal. Why were they not able to safely contain him? What was missing? What were they hiding from the helicopter? Would a necropsy be in order? Overall this is tragic to lose a member of a vulnerable species that had just arrived. The way he was killed with several rounds of bullets is not humane euthanasia."