Northern White Rhino

Vicky and I were privileged to visit the last two northern white rhinos on Earth at Ol Pejeta Conservatory north of Nairobi.  They are both female – Najin and her daughter Fatu – and both are infertile. The Northern White rhino once roamed central Africa in large numbers, but relentless poaching has driven them to the edge of extinction.  It’s crazy that the poaching is based on the myth that the horns are an aphrodisiac when they are composed of keratin – the same stuff as our fingernails.

Scientists including those at Colossal Biosciences (based in Dallas) are mounting an audacious rescue effort, blending cutting-edge reproductive technologies with conservation ingenuity.

1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
   Fatu still has eggs. Through highly delicate procedures, veterinarians have harvested and fertilized them with frozen sperm from long dead northern white males.  About 30 embryos have been created and are ready.
2. Surrogates
   Because neither Najin nor Fatu can carry a pregnancy, embryos are being implanted into southern white rhino females – their close genetic relative but more numerous. They are preparing a special section at Ol Pejeta to protect the new baby rhinos.
3. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
   Scientists are using a magical new technology called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) – enabling them to turn preserved skin cells from deceased northern white rhinos back into their original pluripotent state at birth!  These iPSCs will then be “reprogrammed” into new white rhino egg and sperm cells!!  I will write more about iPSCs – a revolutionary new development in biology and science.  Google it.

If successful, this effort to rescue the northern white rhino will rewrite what’s possible in conservation biology – providing future lifelines for all endangered species.  

Thank you God for the northern white rhino and revealing new rescue possibilities.

Toodling and Noodling, Stan