The Last White Rhino Receives The Sweetest Goodbye From The People Who Loved Him Most

There is still hope for humanity.

Elana

• Published in Animals
• April 8, 2018

It wasn't that long ago that we shared the devastating news of Sudan's death. The last northern white rhino on Earth passed away after an age-related infection took a turn for the worst. As his precious life was ripped from us, humankind mourned. But it wasn't just the world who felt saddened and defeated by yet another man-made extinction, Sudan's long-time caretakers were especially heartbroken for the loss of the majestic beast. After all, these kind humans had been caring for Sudan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, determined to protect his life from the threat of poachers. Surely it is only reasonable that the people would have bonded with Sudan.

However heartbroken they were, nothing could stop them from memorializing the animal they came to know and love so well. So, on a Saturday morning ripe with sunshine, they gathered to honor, respect, and mourn the life that was lost.

Sudan was the ripe, old age of 45 at the time of his passing, which is indeed fairly old for a white rhino. When he passed, he was surrounded by a team of people who truly loved him, including his armed guards and guard dogs, who remain on the conservatory dedicated to protecting all that remains of the white rhino species. Sudan's daughter and granddaughter, Najin and Fatu, as the threat of poachers is never ending.

Together, these people gathered to remember Sudan by unveiling a stone memorial with Sudan's name onn it. Placed under the shelter of a tree, it stands in honor and glory. 

The conservatory took to Facebook to announce their memorial service:

This morning, we gave Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, a fitting tribute in honor of his life and his great work as a rhino conservation ambassador. Several speakers gave great personal accounts of their interactions with Sudan and his incredible global impact on rhino conservation.

Not only did Sudan touch the lives of his caretakers and guards, but he helped people around the entire world comprehend the real threats facing rhinos globally. Mankind has literally ravaged their populations in persistent and relentless seeking of their horn due to unfounded beliefs that the keratin in their horns hold mystical healing powers. Poaching has reduced the population of all species of rhinos, leaving only about 30,000 globally... between all five species combined! It was not that long ago that millions of rhinos freely and joyfully lived across both Africa and Asia so to see these numbers deplete over myths and mysticism is truly depressing.

Yet a light at the end of the tunnel remains, thanks to scientists who have been working hard for a very long time. Utilizing in vitro fertilization techniques, they plan to save northern white rhinos from total extinction. Using a southern white rhino as a surrogate, they plan to attempt to place the embryo of a northern white rhino into the womb. The embryo was created in a lab from eggs harvested from Najin and Fatu and combined with sperm samples from now long-deceased northern white rhinos. The embryos are currently being stored in Berlin, Germany but science is hopeful that this desperate attempt will inevitably save the species.

We can only hope that science has the answer to saving the species but for now we can all take a moment to remember Sudan and all he showed the world about humanity's willingness to undo the mistakes we caused. Sudan's life and death will be an ever-present reminder of what we are capable of, destruction and love alike.

Ol Pejeta wrote:

Fare thee well Sudan, you have done your work to highlight the plight of rhino species across the world; now the onus is on us.

Elana