A northern white rhinoceros -- one of just four remaining worldwide -- has died 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.