WOW!
The support we have received from all over the world has been incredible. Thank you again, thank you!
Here on Ol Pejeta, we do rhino conservation like no one else. Not only are we home to three of the world’s last five northern white rhinos, including the #lastmalestanding, but also to 106 critically endangered black rhinos, and 23 southern white rhinos. This makes us the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and a centre for innovation in conservation and wildlife protection. From highly trained rhino protection teams, to international veterinary care and meticulous data gathering– Ol Pejeta will stop at nothing to ensure the survival of its endangered species.
Sudan, Fatu and Najin are the last hope for the northern white rhinos – now completely extinct in the wild. So why are northern white rhinos on the verge of disappearing, when their southern white cousins tell one of the most successful conservation stories of this century?
The northern white and the southern white rhino are subspecies. There have been scientific arguments to suggest that the northern white rhino should be classed as an entirely separate species, based on genetic differences and the very different home ranges of the two. It is this difference in habitat that has played a major factor in the decline, monitoring, and conservation of the white rhino.
The southern white rhino has traditionally roamed across much of southern Africa, but wild populations of northern whites used to be found over 3,000 kilometres away in central Africa. The northern white range states of Chad, Sudan, Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been ravaged by years of civil war, which, together with the demand for rhino horn, had devastated northern white populations to the point of extinction.
According to the IUCN, the southern white rhinos found themselves in a similar situation at the end of the 19th century – having been reduced to just one small population of approximately 20-50 animals in South Africa. However, in one of the most successful collective conservation efforts of the century, there are now thriving populations in east and southern Africa – totalling over 20,000 animals.
We’re hoping to replicate this with black rhino too. Populations of the critically endangered subspecies stood at just 2,300 in 1993, but thanks to conservation efforts across Kenya and southern Africa, populations have risen to over 5,000 today.
Keeping rhino rangers well equipped, highly trained and well motivated is key to the survival of all rhino subspecies. By donating to our rhino rangers and supporting #lastmalestanding – you are directly impacting the future of rhinos in Africa, and helping local people earn a living from saving their iconic wildlife.
Thank You.