OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY 0°01’39.7”N 36°51’49.7”E
“The challenges that rhinos are facing are seemingly never-ending. However, where there is love for this animal, there is hope.”
With the current state of our planet, I believe that we need to be spreading the facts, the vital information, as far and wide as possible. The more people that can be inspired to forge a connection with an animal like the rhino, the more people will be inclined to fight to protect them. The tale of Najin and Fatu is of critical importance and serves as a timely remind- er of the consequences of our actions. However, this story isn’t one of defeat but of defiance, resolve, and most importantly, hope. For it also entails the unwavering efforts of keepers, conservationists, scientists, security teams, rangers, and citizens around the world who are doing everything in their power to ensure their survival. There’s a groundbreaking project under way that could bring us one step closer to preventing the extinction of this subspecies. A collaboration between Ol Pejeta, Bio- Rescue and Leibniz-IZW has resulted in the successful creation of 29 viable northern white rhino embryos. It’s entirely possible that in the next few years a genetically pure northern white rhino calf could be born in Africa once again. Rhinos are still at risk of being poached for their horns and they’re facing a multi- tude of other threats: diminishing habitats, increased human-wildlife conflict because of shrinking wild spaces, climate change-induced weather events including drought, changes in precipitation patterns, and unpredictable flooding events. The challenges that rhinos are facing are seemingly never-ending. However, where there is love for this animal, there is hope. Having worked closely with three species of rhino, I can honestly say that there are so many good people out there who care. I’ve met some of the most passionate, determined, and inspirational people on my journey across two continents, all of whom are fighting tooth and nail to secure a future for these iconic animals. Conservation efforts are paying off: black rhino populations are increasing, greater one-horned rhino populations are increasing, and the birth of a Sumatran rhino calf was recently celebrated. Where there is hope, hard work, and collaboration, there is always the power for positive change.
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MOTHER VOLUME TWO
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