Photo credits: Jardin Animalier Rainier III Instagram
The Jardin Animalier de Monaco has reported on the progress of Margaret, a female white rhinoceros born in March 1989 at the Sud Ceratherium simum simum sanctuary in Africa. Arriving at the garden in 1992 as a gift to Prince Rainier III, Margaret was initially housed on the Sovereign’s property before being transferred to the Jardin, alongside the 1986 arrival of Pollux, the garden’s hippopotamus.
In response to her species’ endangered status, Margaret was relocated to a more suitable facility in Occitanie, France, under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Her former companion, Buldo, passed away in 2022 at age 36. Now 43 years old, Margaret ranks among Europe’s oldest white rhinoceroses, remaining under care in Occitanie with ongoing oversight from the Jardin.
Documentation includes images of Prince Rainier’s involvement, Margaret’s interaction with keeper Patrick, and her current habitat. This initiative reflects the Jardin’s continued dedication to wildlife conservation.
Photo credits: Jardin Animalier Rainier III Instagram; Photo 1: Prince Rainier, who never failed to caress her; Photo 2: Margaret very close to Patrick, her keeper; Photo 3: A Plaisance du Touch