ASHEBORO, N.C. -- A beloved member of the North Carolina Zoo for more than 30 years has died.

Stanley, 49, had lived at the zoo since 1987. Officials say he started experiencing symptoms of a neurological disease from a suspected stroke in mid-January.

He was euthanized this week. Fondly known as “Stan,” he was one of the oldest male rhinos in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Male rhinos usually tend to live into the early 30s and 40s while in human care.