By: Bani Sond

In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists in Berlin have paved the way for the salvation of the critically endangered northern white rhino subspecies. With the last male northern white rhino succumbing to the ravages of time in 2018, the species teetered on the brink of extinction, leaving only two females, unable to carry a calf to term.

Enter the Realm of Hope

Berlin scientists have orchestrated the first successful embryo transfer using in-vitro fertilization, a ray of light that could rescue the northern white rhino from the shadows of oblivion. The team harvested eggs from the remaining female northern white rhinos and paired them with sperm from deceased male rhinos of the same subspecies. The resultant embryos are slated for transfer into surrogate mothers from the more abundant southern white rhino population.

A momentous milestone was reached on September 24, 2023, at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, where a southern white rhino surrogate carried the embryo of her northern cousin. Astonishingly, after 70 days, the international BioRescue team, supported by the German government, confirmed a successful pregnancy, featuring a well-developed 6.4 cm (2.5 inch)-long male embryo. The proof of concept demonstrated the viability of this groundbreaking technique.

"We achieved together something which was not believed to be possible," remarked Thomas Hildebrandt, head of the reproduction management department at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research. Speaking at a press conference at Berlin's Tierpark zoo, he expressed optimism, stating, "That is really a milestone to allow us to produce northern white rhino calves in the next two, two and a half years."

The northern white rhinos, ironically grey in hue, once roamed freely across East and Central Africa. However, rampant poaching for their coveted horns led to a dramatic decline in their population. The BioRescue consortium, racing against time, has now attained a crucial breakthrough. The success of this proof of concept signals the green light for the transfer of northern white rhino embryos.

This scientific marvel not only symbolizes a triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds but also offers a beacon of hope for the future of endangered species conservation. The possibility of reviving a subspecies once deemed doomed is a testament to human innovation and dedication. As the BioRescue team prepares for the next phase, the positive implications resonate globally, emphasizing the potential for similar interventions in the conservation of other endangered species. The delicate balance of life on Earth seems a bit more secure with this groundbreaking achievement.

Cautious Optimism 

While this success does not fully guarantee the salvation of the northern white rhino, it represents a significant step forward. Scientists aim to use stem cells to create new rhino sperm and eggs, furthering the potential for creating new embryos. As the world watches with bated breath, 2024 becomes a critical year to visit Ol Pejeta, a sanctuary at the forefront of the battle to save these magnificent creatures before it may be too late.