Last male northern white rhino in the world is sick

omotolani

March 2, 2018 11:30 AM

And this is why more efforts should be put in the conservation of wildlife in Africa.

Kenya Ol Pejeta Conservancy has announced that the health of Sudan, a 45-year-old northern white rhino and the last male of its species, is failing.

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

Sudan was immediately assessed by a team of vets from around the world, and he responded well to treatment. Healing quickly, he soon resumed normal movement and foraging habits over January up to mid-February, with his demeanour and general activity improving significantly.

But recently another deep infection has been discovered beneath the initial one. This has been treated, but worryingly, the infection is taking longer to recover, despite the best efforts of his team of vets who are giving him 24-hour care.

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Everything possible is currently being done to help him regain his health and keep him alive. The conservancy goes on to tweet, "We are very concerned about him - he's extremely old for a rhino and we do not want him to suffer unnecessarily.

We will keep you updated on all developments. Please keep him in your thoughts."

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What does this mean?

This means the subspecies is closer to extinction. Sudan also highlights the devastating effects that us humans can have on the other creatures we share this planet with.

omotolani