You Can Help Save a Species!

Since the launch of this ambitious project to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction, Ol Pejeta, the BioRescuce team and the consortium of international scientists and conservationists have made noteworthy progress towards its aim. From a recent ovum pickup in May, a further 18 eggs were collected from Fatu resulting in 5 new embryos created. This is the highest number of embryos created from any single collection to date! To improve genetic diversity, the sperm for fertilisation came from two different bulls.

Alongside this collection, the consortium identified 2 more southern white rhino surrogates to include in the surrogacy programme. When ready, the surrogates will be used to carry the northern white embryos to term. Both females were examined and translocated into a safe enclosure. They will now be crucial in supporting the breeding efforts within the BioRescue project for the NWRs. 

The consortium members also checked the health status of the SWR teaser bull Ouwan and confirmed that he is still functionally sterilised. The teaser bull indicates by copulating with a female that a potential SWR surrogate mother is ready to receive an embryo. The bull must be sterilised, otherwise it makes no sense to perform an embryo transfer as the female would become pregnant with the bull’s sperm.

Najin & Fatu update

Gentle Najin is now the oldest living northern white rhino at 34 years of age, and mother to Fatu. Since retiring from the breeding programme in 2021 due to her age and medical concerns, Najin spends her days as an ambassador to her species, greeting visitors to the conservancy and starring in documentaries. She recently featured in National Geographic Photographer, Ami Vitale’s film “Remembering Sudan” which explored the future of the northern white rhino, and the attempts made to revive the species. Outside of her starring roles and hosting visitors from all over the world, Najin enjoys munching on straw with Fatu and bathing in mud baths that are lovingly created for her by her caretakers in the northern white rhino boma.

Feisty Fatu is now 23 years old and has grown up to be a charismatic and outgoing young rhino. She lives alongside her mother and southern white rhino companion Tauwo in the northern white rhino boma. In comparison to her relaxed and gentler mother, Fatu has a vibrant personality and loves to entertain visitors and caretakers with her antics. Over the past year, Fatu has continued to thrive under the watchful eye of her caregivers, and she never fails to brighten our days here at the conservancy.

Both Najin and Fatu are well, with Fatu continuing to participate in the BioRescue Project. They both receive regular vet checks from Dr Stephen, who monitors their weight, mobility and condition, and is also critical to responding promptly if complications arise. Much to Fatu's delight, Ol Pejeta received a significant volume of rain in late March to early May. Fatu adores the rain and mud, and will be found charging across the enclosure when it pours, to go wallow in the relieving mud holes. Her mother Najin, is also keen on water, and can be found trailing her daughter, throwing her head around in excitement. The substantial rain have also resulted in pasture that is likely to be adequate until the next rains, should they come on time (historically around October). This is fantastic as it means our team can stop supplementary feeding for the time being.

The last few months have been busy on Ol Pejeta, as we geared up to mark the 5th year since the passing of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino in the world. Sudan passed away on the 19th of March 2018, and in recognition of that, we celebrated his legacy through Honouring Sudan: 5 Years of Hope. We used this moment to focus global attention once more on the plight of the northern white rhinos, and to showcase efforts to bring the species back from the brink of extinction. Sudan’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of poaching and habitat destruction on our planet’s precious wildlife.

We are incredibly grateful and appreciative of the kind support from key individuals like you who have come together for the northern white rhinos. You are helping us save a species, and we couldn't do this without you. Thank you so much.