Terrifying Discovery: Scientists Reveal 20,000-Year-Old Woolly Rhino Frozen & Preserved In Russia’s Ice Age Graveyard!

| Archeaology
October 13, 2024

Scientists discover 20,000-year-old woolly rhino from the Ice Age in Russia

During a search in the Russian permafrost, an animal dating back at least 20,000 years was discovered, which is more than 80% preserved and completely wild. The woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) was once a common species throughout Europe and northern Asia.

On average, they measured between 3 and 3.8 metres from head to tail and weighed between 1,800 and 2,700 kilograms as adults. Their closest living genetic relative is the Sumatran rhinoceros, but looking at a photograph of them, it almost looks as if a unicorn had fathered a baby with an American buffalo.

These woolly rhinos had two horns, one large and one smaller. The largest horn measured up to 1.4 metres and the horn itself weighed more than 15 kilograms.

As you can see, I’m learning all this on the fly because I’d only heard of this species once before today. It’s not like it’s one of those animals we were taught about in elementary school.

According to the Siberian Times, archaeologists found a young woolly rhino (about 3-5 years old) “in permafrost deposits next to the Tirekhtyakh River in the Abyisky District of the Sakha Republic.” I did a quick Google Maps search for that location and it’s in eastern Russia, almost north of North Korea.

It’s a little creepy. After all, it’s a 20,000-year-old animal, not a newborn rabbit. But it’s crazy to see how intact it is:

Terrifying Discovery: Scientists Reveal 20,000-Year-Old Woolly Rhino Frozen & Preserved In Russia's Ice Age Graveyard!

It is the best-preserved juvenile woolly rhino yet found in Yakutia, with many of its internal organs (including teeth, part of its intestines, a piece of fat and tissue) preserved intact for thousands of years in the permafrost.

The juvenile rhino, with its thick hazel-coloured fur and horn, found next to the carcass, was discovered in mid-August in permafrost deposits next to the Tirekhtyakh River in the Abyisky District of the Sakha Republic.

The sensational discovery is still in Arctic Yakutia, waiting for ice paths to form so it can be delivered to scientists in the republic’s capital, Yakutsk.

It is the best-preserved juvenile woolly rhino yet found in Yakutia, and many of its internal organs (including teeth, part of its intestines, a piece of fat and tissue) have remained intact for thousands of years in the permafrost.

Terrifying Discovery: Scientists Reveal 20,000-Year-Old Woolly Rhino Frozen & Preserved In Russia's Ice Age Graveyard!

“The young rhino was three to four years old and was living separately from its mother when it died, probably by drowning,” said Dr Valery Plotnikov of the Academy of Sciences, who was at the scene of the discovery and gave the first description of the find.

‘The sex of the animal is still unknown. We are waiting for radiocarbon analyses to determine when it lived, the most likely dating range being between 20,000 and 50,000 years ago.

The rhino has short and very dense fur, it is very likely that it died in the summer,’ said Dr. Plotnikov. (via Siberian Times)

It is absolutely incredible that its last meal was also intact in its stomach. They are awaiting analysis of the rhino’s stomach contents and internal organs to try to determine what exactly it was eating.

Terrifying Discovery: Scientists Reveal 20,000-Year-Old Woolly Rhino Frozen & Preserved In Russia's Ice Age Graveyard!

Despite their impressive horns, which I assumed were for catching monkeys from trees, the woolly rhinoceros mainly ate grass and reeds. Because of their enormous size, they had to eat a LOT of grass to sustain themselves, which wasn’t exactly easy during an ice age.

To read more about this fascinating discovery, you can visit the Siberian Times, which has plenty of information about this discovery along with some other rare discoveries from this year, including two extinct cave lion cubs.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.

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