The zoo announced the news on its Facebook page on Monday, and the Dubbo community responded with an outpouring of condolences and grief.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the loss of our beautiful Greater One-horned Rhino, Rajah, over the weekend,” the post read.

“Rajah, who was almost two years old, became seriously ill on Sunday 17 September. Based on his symptoms, our vets made a working diagnosis of tetanus, which is very rare in rhinos.

“Our veterinary and keeping teams worked so hard last week to save Rajah, and he fought bravely throughout, but sadly on Saturday his condition significantly declined.

“The heart breaking decision was made to humanely euthanise him to end his pain.

“The entire Taronga team is in mourning for Rajah. He was part of our Zoo family and we are devastated by this loss.”