Scientists report that a rhinoceros was successfully impregnated using embryo transfer, a technique that could potentially aid in the preservation of the critically endangered northern white rhino subspecies.

The study involved the use of the southern white rhino subspecies, which is less at risk of extinction. Scientists developed an embryo in a laboratory using eggs and sperm from rhinos, and then implanted it into a surrogate mother from the same subspecies at the Ol-Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.

The group stated on Wednesday that the successful transfer of embryos and resulting pregnancy serve as evidence of the concept’s success. This achievement will now allow researchers to proceed with the safe transfer of northern white rhino embryos, which is a crucial step in their mission to prevent the extinction of the species.

Unfortunately, the team was not aware of the pregnancy until the surrogate mother passed away from a bacterial infection in November 2023. The rhino became infected with spores from the clostridium strain, which were released from the soil due to floodwater. The embryo was found during a post-mortem examination.

However, the researchers remained hopeful about their discovery, although certain conservationists doubt that it has been made in time to rescue the northern white rhino.

The lead researcher and head of the Department of Reproduction at BioRescue, Thomas Hildebrandt, stated that there is now undeniable proof that an embryo can be frozen, thawed, and created in a test tube to bring new life, which is the desired outcome for the northern white rhino.

Approximately 20,000 southern white rhinoceroses remain in Africa. Both this subspecies and the black rhinoceros are recovering from significant declines in their numbers caused by illegal hunting for their horns.

Unfortunately, there are only two remaining individuals of the northern white rhinoceros subspecies in existence.

Najin, aged 34, and her 23-year-old child, Fatu, are unable to reproduce naturally, as stated by the Ol-Pejeta Conservancy where they reside.

Sudan, the final surviving male white rhino, passed away at the age of 45 in 2018 due to complications related to old age. He was the father of Najin.

Researchers preserved the sperm of a male rhinoceros and four other deceased rhinos in the hopes of utilizing them in a process of fertilization outside of the body, using eggs taken from female northern white rhinos. The goal is to create embryos that can be implanted into surrogate mothers who are southern white rhinos.

Certain organizations focused on protecting wildlife have stated that utilizing in vitro fertilization may not be a viable option for rescuing the northern white rhino, as human conflict has greatly damaged their native environments in Chad, Sudan, Uganda, Congo, and the Central African Republic.

Critics argue that resources should be allocated towards other highly endangered species that have a higher likelihood of survival.

Dr. Jo Shaw, CEO of Save the Rhino International, expressed excitement about the first successful embryo transfer in a rhino, but noted that it was unfortunately too late to revive a sustainable population of northern white rhinos.

Shaw stated that her team’s main priority is to tackle the two primary dangers faced by the five species of rhinos globally: the illegal killing of rhinos for their horns and the destruction of their natural habitats due to development.

She stated that our best chance is to collaborate with various partners to provide rhinos with the necessary environment and protection for them to flourish in their natural habitat.

The group stated that they are still promoting the use of natural breeding in order to increase the population. They used the Sumatran rhino as an example, noting that there are currently less than 80 of these animals remaining. According to the group, two baby rhinos were born last year through natural means.

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The previous version of this story has been amended to reflect that the pregnant rhino is still alive and is expected to deliver her baby by the end of next year.

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Source: wral.com