In honor of World Rhino Day, here’s a short but sweet update on our restoring rhinos post. On September 11, 2019, Ol Pejeta Conservancy announced a groundbreaking achievement in assisted reproduction: the successful creation of two viable northern white rhino embryos from the functionally-extinct species as part of the Bio Rescue research project. Bio Rescue is an international consortium of scientists and conservationists committed to pushing the frontiers of science in an effort to save the northern white rhino from extinction through the advancement of assisted reproduction and stem cell-associated techniques. A comprehensive risk assessment ensuring the welfare of egg donors Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, was critical to the success of the project. The two embryos resulting from this pioneering work are currently being stored in liquid nitrogen awaiting transfer to surrogate mothers in the not too distant future. We’re keeping our ears peeled for the pitter-patter of dainty three-toed feet.

You can learn more about other dedicated global efforts to protect and preserve endangered species and the places they roam here.