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#THERHINOSEARCH

THE SEARCH FOR THE LAST NORTHERN WHITE RHINO

Help us bring this iconic animal back from the brink of extinction
This is the ONLY chance we have

The (Short) Story of the northern white rhino

When the Northern White Rhino was discovered for the first time in 1907, members of this remarkable species were prevalent throughout Eastern and Central Africa; they ranged freely over Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Uganda, and South Sudan.

1907 - Species Discovered

The Northern White Rhino subspecies is officially identified as a unique species by scientists.

1960 - 2,000 exist in the wild

The Northern White Rhino are more abundant than the Southern White Rhino.

1970 - 700 exist in the wild

Species numbers more than halved in one decade and numbers declining at an alarming rate.

1975 - 5 Northern White Rhino taken to a Czech zoo

The decline of the species leads a Czech zoo to import 5 animals as a precautionary measure.

1981 - Less than 350 exist in the wild

Rapid decline of the Northern White Rhino species continues despite critically endangered status.

1984 - only 15 thought to exist in the wild

Emergency conservation attempts eventually restore this figure to 31 but poachers continue to nullify efforts.

2008 - Extinct in the wild. Just 6 left in zoos

Despite continued efforts, the Northern White Rhino can no longer be found ranging in the wild.

2009 - 4 shipped from a Czech zoo to Ol Pejeta, Kenya

In hopes that familiar climate will encourage them to mate, 4 Northern White Rhino are taken to Kenya.

2014 - 1 male remaining

The penultimate male Northern White Rhino dies of natural causes, leaving one final male survivor.

2015 - 3 remaining

The 2 Northern White Rhinos left in Czech zoo and San Diego zoo die, leaving only the 3 in Kenya.

2018 - Last male dies

The last known male Northern White Rhino dies. With only 2 female Northern White Rhino left, the species is determined Functionally Extinct.

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1907 - Species Discovered

The Northern White Rhino subspecies is officially identified as a unique species by scientists.

1960 - 2,000 exist in the wild

The Northern White Rhino are more abundant than the Southern White Rhino.

1970 - 700 exist in the wild

Species numbers more than halved in one decade and numbers declining at an alarming rate.

1975 - 5 Northern White Rhino taken to a Czech zoo

The decline of the species leads a Czech zoo to import 5 animals as a precautionary measure.

1981 - Less than 350 exist in the wild

Rapid decline of the Northern White Rhino species continues despite critically endangered status.

1984 - only 15 thought to exist in the wild

Emergency conservation attempts eventually restore this figure to 31 but poachers continue to nullify efforts.

2008 - Extinct in the wild. Just 6 left in zoos

Despite continued efforts, the Northern White Rhino can no longer be found ranging in the wild.

2009 - 4 shipped from a Czech zoo to Ol Pejeta, Kenya

In hopes that familiar climate will encourage them to mate, 4 Northern White Rhino are taken to Kenya.

2014 - 1 male remaining

The penultimate male Northern White Rhino dies of natural causes, leaving one final male survivor.

2015 - 3 remaining

The 2 Northern White Rhinos left in Czech zoo and San Diego zoo die, leaving only the 3 in Kenya.

2018 - Last male dies

The last known male Northern White Rhino dies. With only 2 female Northern White Rhino left, the species is determined Functionally Extinct.

TODAY ...

Little over a century after they were first identified, the Northern White Rhino has effectively been wiped off the face of the earth, with only 2 old females left, incapable of breeding, extinction seems unavoidable.

They live in Ol Pejeta reserve under constant armed guard. They are both female, infertile, and incapable of re-populating the species alone.

WE COULD LET THEIR STORY END HERE, BUT WE WON’T.

#TheRhinoSearch

A group of determined conservationists have not given up on the Northern White Rhino. Following a recent visit to South Sudan, evidence has been uncovered that has re-ignited the hope for the future of this species.

An unprecedented opportunity has arisen for us to undertake one final, comprehensive search for any remaining Northern White Rhinos in the wild.

Despite the huge publicity around the fate of the Northern White Rhino, NO SEARCH has ever been conducted and there is strong evidence now to suggest there may be a few survivors. South Sudan Trust Ltd, in partnership with Saving the Survivors, will be conducting a comprehensive search to ensure that any members of the species are located and protected.

A conclusive search is now possible following the signing of a declaration of peace in South Sudan. We will be supported by loyal and dedicated South Sudanese security forces, whom during our preliminary search, have demonstrated their incredible passion for the wildlife of South Sudan and their investment in the legacy of the Northern White Rhino. Despite a lack of equipment, food, medical supplies, or support from outside agencies, our preliminary search saw South Sudanese communities uniting to assist the search and pledging their lives to protect the wildlife of their country.

Paul Naden, CEO of South Sudan Trust, explains the reasons why himself and a team of committed conservationists have decided to search for the Northern White Rhino and how you can be a part of the story, too.

Saving the survivors, world renowned for the pioneering work they do on Rhino and Multi-award winning conservation charity will be assisting South Sudan Trust with the safe locating and protection of any Northern White Rhino remaining in the wild.

They will be helping sponsor the search and provide valuable resource during the mission. Their extensive experience in dealing with endangered species throughout Africa will be a great asset to our search. Having specialised in the protection of Rhino, from their conception in 2012, Saving the Survivors have the expertise and resources to offer us the best chances of success.

Why do we need donations?

Whilst the vast remote wilderness of South Sudan increases the chances of survival for Northern White Rhino, the cost and logistics for the search are huge. By helping us to fund this project, you will be a part of the Northern White Rhino’s incredible story.

Your donations will go towards the search helicopters, camera and tracking equipment, medical supplies, and other essential expenses.

The more we raise, the longer we can search. The longer we can search, the more chance of our success. It’s as simple as that.

Running costs

  • $ per day
  • $ per hour
  • $ per minute
  • Donations
  • FAQ Frequently asked questions

    • What is the mission?

      To find and protect the Northern White Rhino from certain extinction.

    • Why do we think there is a Northern White Rhino in South Sudan?

      Due to sightings and residual evidence such as droppings and tracks.

    • How have they not found it before?

      There has been limited opportunity to search for more Northern White Rhino due to risk in South Sudan from the civil war.

    • What are we going to do to try and find it?

      We will launch a comprehensive search of national parks, searching with helicopters and trackers, using expert intel and modern technology.

    • What happens if we find the rhino?

      Our course of action will depend on the number of Northern White Rhino, their gender, and their condition. Our actions will always be centred around securing their future and protecting their wellbeing.

    • How can I help?

      Donations are vital to ensuring that this search is comprehensive and conclusive. Please give as much as you can to help us bring this species back from certain extinction. Saving the Survivors, with their extensive experience in tracking and protecting endangered wildlife, will be assisting us with our efforts to help any Northern White Rhino located.

    Other ways you can help

    Sharing the news about our search on social media will help the story of the Northern White Rhino appear before the eyes of more people who might be able to help. Let your friends know that this species might still have a chance and that we won’t leave any stones unturned.