Rhinos

There were 500,000 rhinos in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century. There are roughly 27,000 at this time. Due to human poaching, the Northern White Rhino is essentially extinct, while the Javan, Black, and Sumatran rhinos are all considered critically endangered. However, things don't have to be that way.

There are only two Northern White Rhinos left in the world, a mother and daughter pair, so if things continue as they are, when they pass away, there won't be any more. However, the species' extinction wasn't due to natural causes, thus preserving them through research is a noble goal. Twelve healthy living embryos that can be used in the future to perpetuate the species have already been developed by scientists.

Both females have had their eggs collected, and now-deceased male sperm was used. However, neither female was capable of giving birth, necessitating the adoption of a surrogate mother from a closely related species.

Teams from Germany to Kenya are participating in the efforts to restore the species. The sensitive process requires time and won't be simple. The embryos must still be implanted and carried to term, and the newborn rhinos must then demonstrate their ability to survive. Although there is yet hope, the lengthy path is reason for celebration.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Perissodactyla
Superfamily: Rhinocerotoidea
Family: Rhinocerotidae