Sudan (rhinoceros)

Sudan was a male northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). He was one of the last three remaining northern white rhinoceroses in the world at the time of his death. His significance lies in his symbolic representation of the plight of critically endangered species and the ongoing efforts to prevent extinction.

Sudan was born in 1973 in the wild, likely in what is now South Sudan. He spent much of his life in captivity, initially in a zoo in Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic. Later, he was transferred to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, alongside the two remaining females, Najin and Fatu. This move was intended to improve his chances of breeding and to increase the chances of the species' survival.

Despite extensive efforts including in-vitro fertilization, Sudan's advanced age and declining health prevented successful reproduction. His death on March 19, 2018, from age-related complications, marked a significant loss for conservation efforts and left only two female northern white rhinos, his daughter Najin and granddaughter Fatu, alive. Their existence represents the very last hope for the species' survival through advanced reproductive technologies. The focus has shifted to creating embryos using frozen sperm from deceased males and the eggs from the remaining females.

Sudan's legacy continues to inspire conservation initiatives and funding for endangered species research and protection. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the human impact on wildlife and the urgent need for effective conservation strategies.