The San Diego Zoo is pushing the limits of veterinary science in an international effort to save the northern white rhinoceros from extinction.
With only four animals left — one in San Diego and three in Kenya — the zoo is planning to use female rhinos from other species as surrogate mothers, and will try groundbreaking DNA technology to create a new herd.
“Our hope is to save the northern white rhino from extinction,” said Doug Myers, CEO of San Diego Zoo Global.
Myers was joined by Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins — who sponsored California legislation to protect rhinos — and the head of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya to announce a new international partnership to save the species.
“This is science moving forward to correct our mistakes,” said Atkins, whose bill targeted the poaching industry that is decimating all rhinoceros species to obtain the ivory in their horns.
Randy Rieches, curator of mammals at the Safari Park, said the zoo has what it believes are five viable embryos that will be implanted into the surrogate mothers, which were airlifted from South Africa last week.
Depending on the success, the zoo may also try groundbreaking DNA technology to recreate the species. The effort will take three to five years or more, but could prove useful in saving other endangered animals.
“We want to be able to hand off a sustainable herd of northern white rhinos,” he said. “We’re in this for the long haul.”
Richard Vigne, CEO of Ol Pejeta, thanked the zoo for its efforts. “We’re fighting a battle — it’s a war — across the whole of Africa. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have.”
