The northern white rhino is one of the most endangered animals on Earth. These majestic creatures once roamed freely in Central and East Africa, but if you are wondering how many northern white rhinos are left, their population has been reduced to just two individuals.
You might also be wondering: can northern white rhinos be saved? In this post, we’ll explore the story behind this critically endangered species, what efforts are being made to protect them, and how you can help.
How Many Northern White Rhinos Are Left in the World?
As of today, only two northern white rhinos are left in the world. They are both females, and they live under 24/7 armed protection at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya.
Their names are:
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Najin, the older female
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Fatu, her daughter
This means that there are no living male northern white rhinos left. So, if you have been asking, how many northern white rhinos are there left? or how many northern white rhinoceros are left in the world?, the answer is a heartbreaking two—and they are both female.
You can take an Ol Pejeta Safari with Kifaru Discover Safaris to see the last two remaining northern white rhinos and many other animals including the big 5 (Elephants, Lions, Buffaloes, Leopards, and Rhinos) and many others.
Is the Northern White Rhino Extinct?
Technically, the northern white rhino is not completely extinct, but the subspecies is functionally extinct. This means there are no males left to reproduce naturally, and the two remaining females are not able to carry a pregnancy.
So, when people ask, is the northern white rhino extinct?, the correct answer is: not yet, but without help, the species will disappear forever. In fact, many conservationists consider the northern white rhino to be on the brink of extinction.
Why Did Northern White Rhinos Almost Go Extinct?
There are several reasons why the northern white rhino population declined:
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Poaching – Rhino horns are highly valuable on the black market, especially in Asia, where they are used in traditional medicine and as a status symbol.
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Habitat loss – As human populations grew, the rhinos’ natural habitats were turned into farmland or settlements.
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Civil Wars/ Political instability – Wars and conflicts in countries like Sudan, Congo, and the Central African Republic made conservation efforts nearly impossible for many years.
By the early 2000s, the population of northern white rhinos had dropped drastically, and in 2018, the last known male, Sudan, died in Kenya.
How Many Female Northern White Rhinos Are Left?
Currently, there are two female northern white rhinos left in the entire world: Najin and Fatu. They live at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and are closely monitored by armed rangers, veterinarians, and conservation experts.
Najin was born in 1989 while Fatu was born in 2000 according to Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
People often ask, how many female northern white rhinos are left? and the sad reality is just two.
Can Northern White Rhinos Be Saved?
The big question now is: can northern white rhinos be saved?
Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos, cannot carry a pregnancy due to medical and biological reasons:
Najin – Too Old and Health Risks
Najin, the older of the two, is no longer a candidate for egg harvesting or pregnancy due to:
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Age-related health issues
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Weak hind legs and spine, making it risky to carry the heavy weight of a pregnancy
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High chance of complications, which could endanger her life and the fetus
Fatu – Uterine Abnormalities
Fatu, her daughter, is younger and was initially considered for pregnancy. However:
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She has uterine lesions and structural abnormalities
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Her uterus cannot support a full-term pregnancy
Because of these conditions, both females have been ruled out as surrogates. Instead, scientists are creating embryos in the lab using their eggs and frozen sperm from deceased males. The goal is to implant these embryos into southern white rhino females, who will act as surrogate mothers.
This advanced reproductive approach offers the only real hope for saving the northern white rhino from extinction.
Even though natural breeding is no longer possible, scientists and conservationists are working on advanced reproductive technology to save the species. This includes:
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In vitro fertilization (IVF) – Scientists have created embryos using frozen sperm from deceased male rhinos and eggs from the two living females.
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Surrogate mothers – Since neither Najin nor Fatu can carry a pregnancy, southern white rhino females may be used as surrogates to carry the embryos.
So far, more than 10 viable embryos have been created and are being stored safely. If the IVF and surrogacy efforts are successful, we may see northern white rhino calves born in the future.
It’s a long and difficult journey, but there is still hope. The answer to can northern white rhinos be saved? is: Yes, but it will take time, science, and global support.
How Long Do Northern White Rhinos Live?
Northern white rhinos can live for up to 40 to 50 years in captivity or under protected care. In the wild, their lifespan may be slightly shorter due to threats like poaching and disease.
Both Najin and Fatu are now past their reproductive years, but they are still in good health and are helping scientists by donating eggs and genetic material for the IVF program.
If you have ever wondered, how long do northern white rhinos live?, the answer is roughly 40-50 years with proper care.
Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy and See the Last Two Northern White Rhinos
One of the most emotional wildlife experiences you can have in Kenya is a visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you can see Najin and Fatu up close and learn about the conservation efforts to save their kind.
Kifaru Discover Safaris offers guided tours to Ol Pejeta as part of our Kenya safari packages. Whether you choose a full-day trip from Nairobi or a multi-day Kenya safari tour, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness history and support rhino conservation.
We recommend combining your Ol Pejeta visit with other top destinations like Samburu, Masai Mara, or Lake Nakuru, to enjoy the best of wildlife viewing and birdwatching while learning about Kenya’s role in conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
Final Thoughts: The Future of the Northern White Rhino
To recap:
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How many northern white rhinos exist? Only two females.
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Are they extinct? Not yet, but they are functionally extinct.
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Can they be saved? Yes, through scientific innovation and global support.
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Where can you see them? At Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
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How long do northern white rhinos live? Around 40 to 50 years.
The story of the northern white rhino is both heartbreaking and inspiring. While we may be down to the last two, efforts are underway to bring them back from the edge. Your interest, awareness, and support make a difference.
Book Your Conservation Safari Today
At Kifaru Discover Safaris, we are passionate about wildlife, conservation, and responsible tourism. Join us on a safari that not only shows you Kenya’s natural beauty but also connects you to meaningful causes—like saving the northern white rhino.
Contact us today to plan your Kenya safari tour and be part of this powerful conservation story.
