by Bob Walsh
The Northern White Rhino is functionally extinct. There are only two females left as far as we known. That may be able to be changed.
Scientists in San Diego have impregnated a Southern White Rhino thru artificial insemination. Assuming it takes (they have a gestation of 16-18 months) they may use her as a surrogate mother to regenerate the Northern line. (The two remaining Northern White Rhinos, a mother and daughter, are not capable of bearing offspring.)
They would use genetic material from the recently deceased male Northern to inseminate the female Southern.
If all goes well, which is far from a sure thing, scientists hope to develop a genetically stable herd of as many as 15 Northerns to release back into their native habitat.
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