Horny beast on Tinder
‘One of a kind’ profile a survival bid
THE world’s last male northern white rhino boasts on the dating app Tinder that he’s “one of a kind”.
It’s no idle boast, as The Huffington Post reported, as wildlife experts use the dating app to make a last-chance breeding effort to keep his species alive.
“I don’t mean to be too forward, but the fate of the species literally depends on me,” the rhino’s profile says.
“I perform well under pressure.
“I like to eat grass and chill in the mud. 6 ft tall and 5000 lbs if it matters.”
Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy and dating app Tinder announced a joint campaign to raise awareness about Sudan’s plight, and to raise funds to support efforts to save the northern white rhino from extinction.
The 43-year-old and his last two female companions are unable to breed naturally because of issues that include old age.
Oil Pejeta Conservancy and Tinder aim to raise $9 million for research into breeding methods in an effort to save the species from extinction.
The research, which is ongoing in the United States, Germany and Japan, aims to establish a herd of 10 northern white rhinos after five years using invitro fertilisation
If successful, this will be the first time for scientists to carry out artificial reproduction in rhinos.
When Tinder users swipe right on Sudan’s profile page they will be directed to a page where they can donate to the cause.
“We partnered with Ol Pejeta conservancy to give the most eligible bachelor in the world a chance to meet his match,” said Matt David, head of communications at Tinder.
“We are optimistic given Sudan’s profile will be seen on Tinder in 190 countries and over 40 languages,” Mr David said. Sudan lives at the conservancy in Laikipia, protected by guards around the clock, with females Najin and Fatu.
Richard Vigne, the organisation’s chief executive officer, said: “The plight that currently faces the northern white rhinos is a signal to the impact that humankind is having on many thousands of other species across the planet.
“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 realised,” Mr Vigne said.
WE ARE OPTIMISTIC GIVEN SUDAN’S PROFILE WILL BE SEEN ON TINDER IN 190 COUNTRIES AND OVER 40 LANGUAGES MATT DAVID