The last living Male Northern White Rhinoceros in the world, Sudan passed away this week bringing an end of a magnificent species. The 45-year-old rhino lived his last days at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. A statement from the Conservancy said that Sudan was suffering from muscle and bone deterioration and finally, extensive skin wounds which worsened his condition, prompting the officials to finally euthanize him.
It is with great sadness that Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Dvůr Králové Zoo announce that Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, age 45, died at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya on March 19th, 2018 (yesterday). #SudanForever #TheLoneBachelorGone #Only2Left pic.twitter.com/1ncvmjZTy1
— Ol Pejeta (@OlPejeta) March 20, 2018
Sudan’s Life
He was named after country he was born in, “Sudan”. A rather young Sudan was taken to the Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic where he lived most of his life. He was then transferred back to Africa in Kenya, in 2009. The celebrity rhino lived with two younger female rhinos, as part of an effort to revive a species which is facing extinction.
Efforts to Revive the White Rhino Species
When Sudan arrived in Kenya, it was expected that he would mate with the other females and hence, a revival of the species would begin. However, he was aging and thus failed to procreate with his fellow female mates. Time was running out as the three rhinos were the last to roam the earth.
Several experts from Europe worked on a plan to save the Northern white rhino species from possible extinction. Sperms from the now deceased Sudan have been stored at a facility in Germany. These sperms will be used to create a surrogate baby rhino for which the last two female northern white rhinos will be the carriers.
Sudan’s Last days
Despite his advancing age, Sudan was a rather happy rhino who was living out his last days in peace. He was placed under a 24-hour armed security to protect him from being attacked by poachers.
However, by the start of 2018, he developed an age-related on his skin. Despite positive signs of receiving treatment, he reached a condition where he could not even stand properly. They had to relieve him of the pain by euthanizing him.
A wonderful creature, a celebrity, and a worldwide figure, Sudan were certainly loved by everyone in the world. He will be dearly missed. But, let’s just hope that the species is rescued and hopefully, more Sudan can roam the earth once again. Not only white Rhinos but many animals like Sudan have their species on the verge of extinction and need out our attention. Check the list here.
