RIP Sudan – The Last Male Northern White Rhino
Yes, we did it. We managed to push another mighty animal to extinction. I have no words to express my grief. So this one is going to be a rant, an aggressive one. This one is for Sudan – the last male northern white rhino, who is no more.
Ever since I started working at the Academy of Natural Sciences, I have come to know of the many great deceptions of humans towards animals, all throughout evolution. From the time human intelligence started evolving, from the time man started categorizing someone or something as important and unimportant, and from the time he started escalating to the top levels of the food pyramid, he has managed to bring down so many species to, or nearly close to extinction. You will be shocked to know, that our generation, is not even aware of some species, as they have all been eradicated long before our knowing.
The Quagga, a native South African species of zebras, known for their unique stripes, went extinct in 1883. All because, the ranchers thought they were a competition for their livestock in grazing areas. The sea mink, gave themselves up for the mad craze of their fur, in the second half of the 19th century. The Tasmanian tigers were last known in 1936, after they were hunted and shot vigorously. The Javan tigers also faced the same fate in 1976. These are just a few examples to begin with and there were definitely more out there, just not anymore.
This was Sudan, when he was alive, with guards around him 24*7, protecting him against poachers. He lived with two other females of the same sub-species as him. He was transferred to the Kenya reserve in 2009, from the Czech Republic zoo, as they thought that African climate would stimulate him to breed and continue the species. Alas, Sudan was 36 at that time and had passed his productive age. 
Sudan died on March 19, 2018, from age related complications, which only worsened with an infection on his back right leg. With him gone, there is almost no hope for his sub-species to continue. The scientists have preserved his sperm samples in the hope of continuing his breed by using a surrogate female. But the IVF technology that they are depending on, has no guaranteed results at least for a decade from now.
As an animal lover and above all a nature observer, this incident has moved me and made me think about the after-effects of our excessive needs. So, how is it that we have failed so terribly? What is it that compels us to go after these animals, be it for their tusks or horns or skins or furs? Think!! And not just animals, it has always been both, flora and fauna. It’s just that we do not understand the seriousness of plant extinctions as we do not see them expressing themselves around us. It disturbs me when people think about wallets and boots, when they see a crocodile, or a warm furry coat when looking at a fox. And the worst of all madness, is the monstrous craving to eat exotic animals. Shame on us!!
The death of Sudan has to be an awakening for us. Humans need to wake up. We are not barbaric anymore. We do not need to shred animal skins or cut off their tusks for our protection, let alone beautifying ourselves. The Earth is as much a home for them, as it is for us. And we are nobody, to push them out of their habitats. I believe that What Goes Around, Comes Around. I sincerely hope, this doesn’t go any further and surely doesn’t come back, for the sake of humanity. I urge you guys imbibe this message into yourselves and share it as much as possible.
Peace.
Image source: National Geographic Channel