Rhino Flossy, 50, put down

ONE of the oldest white rhinos in Europe has been put to sleep – because of an incurable illness.

Flossy, aged around 50, arrived at Colchester Zoo, Essex, in 1972 and became a mother figure to other rhino calves born there.

The animal suffered from a skin condition.

Melissa Fitch, of the zoo, said: “Flossy played a vital part in conservation as an ambassador for her species, helping to raise funds and awareness for conservation in the wild.”