Extinction Looms For Northern White Rhino As Last Male Nears Death

The fate of my species literally depends on me, read the Tinder profile for a northern white rhino named Sudan , posted last year. Now, Sudan the worlds last male northern white rhino is battling a grave illness, and faces death with no progeny in sight.

Sudan is one of three remaining northern white rhinos on Earth, all protected 24/7 by armed guards at Kenyas Ol Pejeta Conservancy . Sudans companions are Najin and Fatu, both younger females. Considered elderly for a rhino at age 45, Sudan has been placed on death watch as he battles a leg infection his caretakers say is not responding to treatment . The life expectancy of white rhinos in captivity is about 40 to 50 years.

We dont think he will last for much longer, Elodie Sampere, an Ol Pejeta spokeswoman, told CNN last week, adding that euthanasia will be explored if it becomes clear that the rhino is suffering and has no chance of recovery.

So many people have supported the northern white rhinos since they arrived on Ol Pejeta in 2009, and we feel it is important to inform you that Sudan, the last male northern white rhino on the planet, is starting to show signs of ailing. pic.twitter.com/BMNTprww57

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So many people have supported the northern white rhinos since they arrived on Ol Pejeta in 2009, and we feel it is important to inform you that Sudan, the last male northern white rhino on the planet, is starting to show signs of ailing. pic.twitter.com/BMNTprww57
Ol Pejeta (@OlPejeta) March 1, 2018

At the advanced age of 45, his health has begun deteriorating, and his future is not looking bright. At the end of the 2017, Sudan developed an uncomfortable age related infection on his back right leg.

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At the advanced age of 45, his health has begun deteriorating, and his future is not looking bright. At the end of the 2017, Sudan developed an uncomfortable age related infection on his back right leg.
Ol Pejeta (@OlPejeta) March 1, 2018

Sudans death would mark a grim milestone in the story of the northern white rhino, a subspecies that numbered over 2,000 as recently as 1960 . Poaching, fueled by demand for rhino horn , drove the subspecies to the brink of extinction. By 1984, just 15 of the animals were left.

When Angalifu, a male living at the San Diego Zoo, died in 2014 , Sudan became the last living male of his subspecies and a symbol for rhino conservation worldwide. To raise awareness about the animals plight, Ol Pejeta partnered with the dating app Tinder last year to create a profile for Sudan.

I perform well under pressure. I like to eat grass and chill in the mud, read the tongue-in-cheek Tinder listing. 6 ft tall and 5,000lbs if it matters.