http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/16/africa/kenya-northern-white-rhino/
Such an impressive species, one magnificent in size and strength. Sadly because of poaching we have caused this wonderful species, northern white rhino, to become almost extinct. The species has only one last male who is 42 years old and is named Sudan. Being elderly for a rhinoceros, many are not sure of his ability to mount and conceive with another rhinoceros especially due to his low sperm count and his partner female, 25 year old Najin, is doubted to have the hind leg strength to support him even if he could mount her. Do not fear despite these dire circumstances, there is still hope. Scientist have recently been looking into artificial insemination and things of such nature. This approach would not rely on Sudan's physical aptitude for continuing his species but rather allow us to possibly continue this species even after he is gone.
A friend of mine asked me why they wouldn't just clone the male, yes it would be extremely expensive, but it would be quite possible seeing as they have already done this to other animals. This rendered me speechless because that is exactly what we need, people to think outside of the box. Thinking like that could help us to not only save species from extinction but also to further our own species and possibly overcome our nasty habit of killing off subservant species.
What would you do?
You're welcome on that suggestion, Tim. While it is a solution, though, cloning technology has not been fully perfected, and thanks to its depiction on tv or in movies like Star Wars, the technology might even carry a negative connotation. I do find it interesting though, that this species, out of all the species nearing extinction around the world, gets the press. In fact, during the Hostess catastrophe that nearly tore Twinkies all around the world from our grasps, a certain species of African tiger (I couldn't find which one specifically) went extinct. Makes you think.
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