Fresh Hope for Northern White Rhinos as Scientists Set IVF Revolution in Motion

There is hope for the northern white rhino species as scientists move towards creating a new rhino via in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Najin and her daughter Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos in existence, are at present unable to carry an embryo due to complications in their health. Fatu continues to produce viable eggs, however, and is a candidate for IVF.

Scientists have been collecting Fatu’s eggs and fertilizing them in the lab with sperm from deceased male northern whites for many years. They now have 36 fertilized embryos to be implanted into a surrogate female southern white rhino. They are hoping to achieve the first successful northern white rhino pregnancy this year.

Despite the setback of the procedure, with a surrogate rhino’s death last year, scientists are undeterred. Other efforts, including stem cell use to produce eggs and sperm, are being pursued in an effort to introduce more genetic diversity and produce more embryos in the future.

Although some experts have questioned the viability of this endeavor, most believe that the means developed could potentially be applied to save other endangered rhino breeds as well. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy staff, which keeps Najin and Fatu under close surveillance, is confident that a newborn northern white rhino could appear soon, the cause for a global celebration.