Northern White Rhino

The LAST male Northern White Rhino on the planet, named Sudan (on right) has developed a serious infection and his caregivers at Ol Pejeta Sanctuary (@kenzocaesaria) are working hard to keep him healthy and comfortable. @kenzocaesaria says, "Even though he is now old and ailing; Sudan has been an inspirational figure for many across the world for years. Thousands have trooped to Ol Pejeta to see him and he has helped raise awareness for rhino conservation to millions worldwide. The two female northern white rhinos left on the planet – Najin and Fatu – are his direct descendants. Research into new Assisted Reproductive Techniques for large mammals is underway due to him. The impact that this special animal has had on conservation is simply incredible." And there is still hope in the future that the subspecies might be restored through IVF.

In 2009, I had the privilege of following this gentle hulking creature on his journey from the snowy Dvur Kralov zoo in the Czech Republic to the warm plains of Kenya, when he was transported with three of his fellow Northern White Rhinos in a last ditch effort to save the subspecies. It was believed that the air, water, and food, not to mention room to roam, might stimulate them to breed—and the offspring would then be used to repopulate Africa. At the time, there were 8 Northern white rhinos alive, all in zoos. Today, we are witnessing the extinction of a species that had survived for millions of years but could not survive mankind.