Poaching is known to be a severe issue for the few remaining rhinos of the world. In addition to the issue of poaching is the basic need for more members of the species. The Northern White rhinoceros sub-species is thought to only have eight members remaining globally.
The eight known remaining rhinos survive in captivity, six of which are in the Czech Republic. The other two rhinos make their home in the United States. There was thought to be four Northern White rhinos living in the wild, however these animals have not been seen since 2006.
In order to try and save the species, experts are now trying to introduce animals currently in captivity into the wild in Kenya. Thought to be extinct in the wild, the Northern White rhino is classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Four of the rhinos from a Czech Republic zoo, two males and two females, have already been transported to Kenya. An African Rhino Specialist from the IUCN, Rob Brett, stated: “Moving them now is a last-bid effort to save them and their gene pool from total extinction.”
In the last ten years, the zoo has tried to breed the rhinos but have only had one successful birth. The hope is that the rhinos will breed successfully in their natural habitat rather than captivity. The Czech Zoo, Dvur Kralove Zoo, stated: “We plan to give the remaining individuals with breeding potential their last chance of normal and regular reproduction in a secure location in the wild.”
Some are expressing their concern over the safety for the remaining Northern White rhinos in the wild. Those concerned include the European Association of Zoos, which fear the rhinos’ years away from the wild will lead to dangerous situations for the animals. The experts involved believe the animals will adapt quickly to their natural habitat.
