Sudan (1973 – March 19, 2018) was a northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) and the last-known male of that subspecies. His death brought the northern white rhino closer to extinction, leaving only two surviving females—his daughter Najin and granddaughter Fatu—as of 2024. He lived at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya under armed protection from poaching.
Childhood and Capture
Sudan was born in 1973 in Shambe, South Sudan (then part of Sudan). He was captured at the age of two and eventually arrived at the Dvůr Králové Zoo in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), where he spent most of his life.
Transfer to Kenya and Conservation Efforts
In 2009, Sudan and three other northern white rhinos—two females, Najin and Fatu, and another male, the Suni—were transferred to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. The move was meant to encourage breeding in a natural habitat, but no pregnancies resulted despite mating attempts.
The last surviving male member of a Kind
By 2015 Sudan became the only living male members of northern white rhino since the death of Suni. Artificial reproductive techniques were considered by conservationists for producing embryos from the sperm of Sudan along with oocytes from remaining females using in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, natural breeding was impossible because of his age and health complications.
Death and Legacy
Sudan was put to sleep on 19 March 2018 because of age-related diseases and infections. His death brought conservation efforts to a decisive moment, leaving the subspecies functionally extinct in the wild. Scientists continue with research and advances on stem cell technology and IVF that could eventually replace the population of northern white rhinos.
Sudan drew massive worldwide attention with even a Tinder profile set in 2017 to generate awareness and funds for the cause of conservation. His story is a lasting testimony about how much damage poaching and habitat destruction can inflict on endangered species.
