After a years-long effort to save Africa’s Northern White Rhinos, scientists have made a breakthrough: the first-ever lab-assisted rhino pregnancy.
When northern white rhinos were first discovered in 1907, they had a healthy population — with numbers greater than the now abundant southern rhino. But after decades of poaching and a civil war, their numbers abruptly shrank. By 1997, there were 25.
Now there are only two: Najin and Fatu. Both are elderly females. But recent news has proven that all hope is not lost for northern white rhinos in 2024.
Functionally extinct
The northern white rhino is considered functionally extinct as neither Najin and Fatu are able to naturally reproduce. Preserved sperm samples from deceased male northern white rhinos are available for in vitro fertilization treatments. This already complicated procedure is even more complicated for this species as both Najin and Fatu have health issues preventing them from giving birth.
UPDATE: Scientific intervention — and a historical breakthrough
Despite these challenges, scientists still have hope that they will be able to help the species survive. They aim to use embryos created from northern white rhinos and implant them in healthy southern white rhinos, given their genetic similarity.
Bringing the northern white rhino back is a worldwide effort. Institutions like the San Diego Zoo’s Frozen Zoo are collaborating with organizations worldwide to use new stem cell technology to revive the northern white rhino. In Berlin, Germany, the BioRescue team is working to artificially create northern white rhino sperm and egg cells by turning stem cells into primordial germ cells.
And there is now reason to celebrate. After five new embryos were created in 2023 and qualified southern white rhinos were selected for surrogacy, a new medical breakthrough occurred in early 2024. Scientists achieved the first IVF rhino pregnancy by transferring a lab-created rhino embryo into a surrogate mother.
Recent advancements prove that global collaboration and funding can help save ENDANGERED species. With VAKOVAKO you can be an integral change maker. Donate today to help wildlife conservation organizations.
