Malonza added that 24 northern white rhinoceros embryos are now preserved in a laboratory

Kenya on Tuesday began the preservation of the remains of northern white rhinoceros named Sudan, believed to be the world’s oldest and only male northern white rhinoceros, via taxidermy in order to boost wildlife conservation.

Peninah Malonza, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, told journalists in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi that the death of the rhinoceros Sudan in 2018 means that there are only two female northern white rhinoceros left in the world to carry the hope of the species.

‘We will ensure that Sudan’s taxidermy is displayed at a location which will be accessible to Kenyans and the global community and appropriate messages provided to ensure Sudan continues to play his ambassadorial role for the species even in his death,’ Malonza said, denoting that Kenya will continue to partner with a consortium of local and international scientists and conservationists to save the northern white rhinoceros from extinction using novel technologies.

Malonza added that 24 northern white rhinoceros embryos are now preserved in a laboratory waiting for optimization of the embryo transfer technology. Despite the challenges experienced over the years, rhinoceros poaching has been managed and positive growth rates achieved with the national rhinoceros population estimated at 1,890 as of the end of 2022, comprising 966 black, 922 southern white and two northern white rhinoceros.

Source: Namibian Press News Agency