Advertisement

Could this white rhino be your next Tinder match?

As the old saying goes, there's plenty more fish in the sea - now the same can be said for rhinos...
Newstalk
Newstalk

08.36 26 Apr 2017


Share this article


Could this white rhino be your...

Could this white rhino be your next Tinder match?

Newstalk
Newstalk

08.36 26 Apr 2017


Share this article


As the old saying goes, there's plenty more fish in the sea - now the same can be said for rhinos.

In a new campaign launched yesterday, dating app Tinder has partnered with the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Kenya to introduce users to Sudan, the last known male northern white rhino in existence.

The platform hopes to save Sudan's species from extinction by raising $9 million to fund in-vitro efforts in lieu of natural breeding to save the northern white rhino.

Advertisement

When users swipe right on Sudan, they'll receive a message that features a link to donate, which would help fund ongoing research focusing on "assisted reproductive technologies."

Tinder confirmed to Newstalk.com that Sudan's profile will show up globally for its users, including here in Ireland. 

"As a platform that makes millions of meaningful connections every day, raising awareness about Sudan the Rhino and the importance of finding his match seemed like something we could support in a really impactful way," a Tinder spokesperson told Mashable.

"We've heard countless stories about Tinder babies, but this would be the first match to save a species."

If successful, this would be the first time scientists carry out artificial reproduction in rhinos. They hope to establish a herd of 10 northern white rhinos after five years.

"Saving the northern white rhinos is critical if we are to, one day, reintroduce rhinos back into Central Africa," said Richard Vigne, CEO of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. "They contain unique genetic traits that confer upon them the ability to survive in this part of Africa. Ultimately, the aim will be to reintroduce a viable population of northern white rhino back into the wild, which is where their true value will be realized."

Who is Sudan?

Sudan (42) is one of the most protected animals on the planet, surrounded by armed guards at all times. He lives at the conservancy with the only two female northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu.

But he's been unable to breed with Najin and Fatu due to a number of issues, including old age and a low sperm count. 

Southern white rhinos aren't endangered, but they are a different subspecies from northern white rhinos. These offspring, then, wouldn't be 100% northern white rhino, but experts say that option is better than extinction. 

Poaching has severely threatened white rhino populations across the world, as the animals are hunted for their horns. They are also particularly vulnerable due to their relatively non-aggressive nature and their tendency to run in packs.

No word on where he stands on long walks on the beach, though.

 


Share this article


Read more about

Business

Most Popular