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This image shows a instance of fragile optimism: the planet's initial In Vitro Fertilization rhino pregnancy, a small foetus that restored optimism among researchers striving to rescue the northern white rhinoceros from extinction.

This Critical Condition of the Northern White Rhinoceros

There are 2 female northern white rhinos remaining on the earth – one and her offspring Fatu. Not one can sustain a pregnancy due to medical complications. The final male died in 2018, rendering the animal effectively extinct.

The Groundbreaking Scientific Initiative

Over the past 15 years, an global team dedicated to saving the animal has been gathering and preserving sperm from deceased bulls. Using this sperm and egg cells from Fatu, they've developed 38 fertilized eggs. It may sound like a lot, it's not. Since the two females cannot support a pregnancy, substitute females are crucial and it was determined to use southern white rhinos, a not as endangered subspecies.

The team also had to demonstrate that their technique would succeed with southern white rhino embryos before transferring any of the northern white rhinoceros foetuses into a surrogate.

The Significant Milestone

After 13 tries to transfer an foetus they achieved the first viable In Vitro Fertilization gestation in a southern white rhinoceros. The foetus in this image is the outcome after transfer. Tragically, the gestation didn't reach full development (16-18 months), as the surrogate mother died from a bacterial infection at 70 days. But the pregnancy demonstrated that the technique is feasible – a critical achievement.

This image transcends recording. It isn't showing a living animal but an entity much more delicate

Moral Considerations and Creature Welfare

Ethics are central to the project and a dedicated group of moral researchers monitor every step to ensure no harm is caused. The northern white rhinoceroses live in a conservancy in Kenya, protected 24/7 by dedicated guards and caretakers. I understand that some may feel uncomfortable about substitute motherhood and In Vitro Fertilization in animals, but the team thoroughly evaluates creature welfare.

Prof Thomas Hildebrandt states research cannot be an excuse to repeat the errors of the previous times; it cannot be the only solution; preservation must go together with science to avoid disappearance.

A Artist's Path

Before turning into a photographer, the individual learned biology. The person dreamed of being a scientist, but research felt too vast, and his attempts to research institutes were awkward and naive. It never happened. Photography became his path return. Many years ago, he met the media contact for the initiative, based in Germany, where the person lives and in 2020 the individual was asked to document the initial foetus implantations of southern white rhinoceroses in Germany. The photographer was amazed. As a frustrated biologist, the person was excited to work with this extraordinary group. Since then, he has followed their efforts – initially in European zoos, and since 2023, in Africa.

A Heartbreaking Setback

The photographer recalls being at the terminal in Europe, about to fly to Africa to document what they expected would be the initial successful substitute motherhood – the team were buzzing with anticipation. But while we were still at the airport, they received the news that the substitute had passed away. It was devastating. The emotions were hard to put into words. This image was taken when the researchers were conducting genetic tests on the embryo.

The project came heartbreakingly close to achievement – it is only a question of time

The Powerful Core of the Story

This image feels very different to the others taken for the project. It goes beyond documentation – it's not depicting a living animal or a scientific process, but something far more delicate. For me, it represents achievement and failure. It demonstrates that the research works, but it also recalls us how near humanity is to losing this animal for ever. I think it captures the emotional essence of the whole story.

Even though the tale is bittersweet, the foetus proves the research works. If we heed scientists and support their efforts, we can still change our path and create the earth a improved place. Indeed, bad information matters – but we also require stories of determination. There are amazing people laboring incessantly, refusing to give up. The initiative came heartbreakingly close to success. It's only a matter of time.

An Pressing Need for Support

But time is running out. The European authorities, which has funded the initiative since 2019, has still to approve continued funding. The next funding verdict is expected at the close of the month. Without it, advancement could stall – not just for the northern white rhino, but for other threatened species, too. That's deeply discouraging, particularly when the goal is within reach. If society keep neglecting environmental concerns, humanity risk reaching a point of no return.

The image is the victor of the 61st Nature Photographer of the Year competition's photojournalism category. View all 100 awarded images in an display at the Natural History Museum in the UK, from 17 October until 12 the month.