Rare white rhino dies in US

A northern white rhinoceros -- one of just four remaining worldwide -- died Sunday at the San Diego Zoo, officials said.

The 41-year-old female known as Nola saw her health take a quick turn for the worse. 

"Early this morning, the team made the difficult decision to euthanize her," the zoo said in a statement.

The animal -- battling an infection and other age-related ailments -- had been at the zoo since 1989. It underwent surgery November 13 but then stopped eating shortly thereafter.

"Nola leaves a legacy that her keepers and animal care staff hope will continue to help rhino conservation for years to come," the zoo added.

The three remaining animals are at a conservatory in Kenya.

Photo Caption : FILE - This Dec. 31, 2014 file photo shows Nola, a northern white rhinoceros, in her enclosure at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, Calif. The Los Angeles Times reports that Zoo officials say Nola, 41, was euthanized early Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015 as she was suffering from a number of old-age ailments, including arthritis, and had also been treated for a recurring abscess on her hip. The rhino had been a draw at the Safari Park since 1986.(AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)