Heartfelt messages as Kenyans join the world in mourning Sudan

The world is mourning the death of Sudan, the last male white rhino following his death on Monday, March 19 at Ol Pajeta Conservancy in Kenya's Laikipia County. Sudan, at 45 years was suffering from age-related complications which affected his hide, bones, and muscles.

A statement by Ol Pajeta states that they decided to put Sudan to sleep on Monday after his condition deteriorated. The decision was made by the Dv?r Králové Zoo, Ol Pejeta, and Kenya Wildlife Service.

“His condition worsened significantly in the last 24 hours; he was unable to stand up and was suffering a great deal,” read part of the statement.

It is with great sadness that Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the Dv?r Králové Zoo announce that Sudan, the world’s last male northern white rhino, age 45, died at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya on March 19th, 2018 (yesterday). #SudanForever #TheLoneBachelorGone #Only2Left pic.twitter.com/1ncvmjZTy1— Ol Pejeta (@OlPejeta) March 20, 2018

According to Richard Vigne, the Conservancy's CEO, Sudan’s death is a major blow to global conservation efforts, especially those aimed at saving endangered species.

Until his death, Sudan was christened the most eligible bachelor, with only two remaining female of his race, his daughter Najin and her daughter Fatu.

The 600 acres endangered species enclosure at Ol Pejeta Conservancy has been home to the three last northern white rhinos since 2009 where they were settled from the Czech Republic.

Kenyans on Twitter joined the world in celebrating Sudan’s life with touching messages like;

The last Male has fallen #WeDidThis the last Northern White African male rhino marks the certain extinction of this incredible species. Rest in peace Sudan, you deserved so much better. On behalf of all mankind, I’m sorry #WeDidThis ???? @OlPejeta — Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) March 20, 2018

WE FAILED SUDAN & ALL THE OTHER NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS!

No males males left!

Animal lovers, it’s time to go to work to save ALL other rhinos! #RIPSudan ???? pic.twitter.com/JQW8BzfZMw— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) March 20, 2018

So sad to learn of 45-year old Sudan’s passing. This is the last Northern White Rhino! I visited him on March 2, 2018. Focus in now on the last two females. Thanking the @OlPejeta team, Scientists, @kwskenya team for their valiant efforts. #RIPSudan #SudanForever pic.twitter.com/RXGtKBG1Ee— Prof. Judi Wakhungu EGH (@JudiWakhungu) March 20, 2018

R.I.P Sudan the last white Rhino in the world ???? this saddens me so much because rhinos are such beautiful creatures.— my name is. (@johnnyknuckz) March 20, 2018

Rest in Peace Sudan. The world's last male white rhino. TIME TO SAVE ALL OTHER SPECIES OF RHINOS! — Amanda Cerny (@AmandaCerny) March 20, 2018

RIP #Sudan The world is a cruel place and you were too beautiful for it ???? #TheLoneBachelorGone— dinta chauhan (@dinkysangels) March 20, 2018

This is how sad extinction feels like.... SAD. Its only dedicated #conservation that will make other endangered animals live longer as Sudan did #SavetheRhino #Rhinos pic.twitter.com/zDs6ARe3gU— Kelvin Maina???????? (@Vok80) March 20, 2018

It's sad to see Sudan go, but I would like to take this opportunity to advocate for two less well known species that still exist in the wild - the Sumatran and Javan rhinoceroses, both of which have less than 100 individuals left. I hope they meet a better fate.— Dani Rabaiotti (@DaniRabaiotti) March 20, 2018