This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
On August 22, 2019, Najin, a northern white rhino, underwent an ovum pickup procedure at Olpejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, marking a significant step in the conservation efforts for the species.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in reproductive techniques, creating four southern white rhino embryos using IVF methods. This achievement is expected to shed light on the procedure for northern white rhinos in Kenya.
According to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the team from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research was scheduled to continue with the procedure at the conservancy in Laikipia County. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team had to postpone their visit.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the team continued their research by harvesting eggs from a southern white rhino female in Serengeti Park, Germany, and then maturing the oocytes in the Avantea lab.
Dr. David Ndeere, head of veterinary services at the Kenya Wildlife Services, expressed hope that the procedure would resume once travel restrictions are lifted. Ol Pejeta CEO Richard Vigne noted that the pandemic has dealt a significant blow to plans to save the northern white rhinos from extinction.
“Very exciting news from the rhino IVF team in Europe who have managed to create four southern white rhino embryos using the same methods they will use on the northern whites. All this gained knowledge and experience will help them later when they resume their work with the northern whites, ensuring that their very rare eggs are given the best possible chance to survive when the time comes,” Ol Pejeta Conservancy said in a statement.
