First successful IVF rhino pregnancy could save the Northern White Rhinoceros from certain extinction

For the past few years, the plight of the Northern White Rhinoceros has been a stark reminder of the fragility of life. With only two females remaining, Najin and her daughter Fatu, this magnificent species teetered on the brink of extinction.

Unable to reproduce naturally, their future seemed bleak. But amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of science and conservation. Researchers had collected precious eggs from Fatu and frozen sperm from the last male, Sudan, creating a genetic bank that could potentially resurrect the species.

And now, in a groundbreaking feat, scientists have achieved the world's first in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) pregnancy in a rhinoceros. Sadly, the pregnancy ended after 70 days due to a bacterial infection. However, this milestone marks a crucial step towards reversing the Northern White Rhino's tragic fate.

The key lies in the Southern White Rhino, a close cousin with a healthy population of around 20,000. Their shared biology makes them ideal surrogate mothers for the Northern White embryos, as Professor Thomas Hildebrandt, Director of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, explains: "We have a closely related recipient, so their internal map is nearly the same."

Despite the initial setback, the team remains resolutely optimistic. "With this achievement, we are very confident that we will be able to create Northern White Rhinos in the same manner and that we will be able to save the species," says Dr Susanne Holtze, a scientist involved in the project.

The future of the Northern White Rhino remains uncertain, but the first IVF pregnancy has ignited a spark of hope. With unwavering dedication and the power of science, we might yet witness these magnificent creatures once again roam the African savannas.