The world’s last and largest male northern white rhino named Sudan, died on Monday aged 45 years old.
Sudan who has been living at the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Laikipia County reportedly succumbed to age-related complications.
The conservancy in a statement on Tuesday according to the Star said: “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, 45, died at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya on March 19, 2018.”
Due to age-related complications, Sudan developed degenerative changes in muscles and bones combined with extensive skin wounds.
His condition worsened in the last 24 hours and he was unable to stand and exhibited signs of suffering.
“The veterinary team from the Dvůr Králové Zoo, Ol Pejeta and Kenya Wildlife Service made the decision to euthanise him,” said Ol Pejeta.
Sudan according to the conservancy had an unusual memorable life.
“In the 1970s, he escaped extinction of his kind in the wild when he was moved to Dvůr Králové Zoo.
Throughout his existence, he significantly contributed to the survival of his species as he sired two females,” further added the conservator.
The conservator added that the death of the world’s largest and only male white rhino was saddening.
“We on Ol Pejeta are all saddened by Sudan’s death. He was a great ambassador for his species and will be remembered for the work he did to raise awareness globally of the plight facing not only rhinos but also the many thousands of other species facing extinction,” the conservancy noted.
Scientists are now banking on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to ensure the continuity of the white rhino generation.
Sudan’s genetic material was collected on Monday with the aim to continue reproduction of white rhinos through advanced cellular mechanisms.