The Ol Pejeta Conservancy on Friday announced that everyone would have to pay an entry fee into the park to attend a tribute ceremony for Sudan, a northern white rhino who died in March.
Through their social media, the Laikipia based conservancy announced that they were planning to hold the memorial on Saturday.
"Ol Pejeta Conservancy will tomorrow hold a Tribute Ceremony in honour of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino. The ceremony will be held at the Rhino Memorial and will begin at precisely 10:00 am. The event is open to members of the public. Entry fees apply," they announced.
[caption caption="File image of Sudan Courtesy"]
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The conservancy had revised their day trip rates for peak holiday season days with adults paying Ksh2,000 and Ksh1,000 for a child.
The fact that people would be charged did not amuse Kenyans with one writing: "May I suggest that you waive the entrance fees in memory of Sudan. While a sad occasion, this is an excellent opportunity to expose everyone to your wonderful conservancy and the great work that you do."
[caption caption="Reactions to the charges"]
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The ceremony was attended by Wildlife and Tourism CS Najib Balala who thanked the organization for their work in conservation.
"Many thanks to Ol Pejeta for their efforts in trying to save the northern white rhinos from extinction. The government will offer all support to ensure the species does not go extinct," CS Balala stated.
Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Mureithi reiterated Balala's words stating that: "Sudan's death should give us the impetus to ramp up our conservation efforts not only in Laikipia but across Kenya."
Ol Pejeta CEO Richard Vigne assured that they were using advanced technology to prevent the species from going extinct.
[caption caption="The unveiling of Sudan's plaque at the Rhino Memorial "]
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"Chances of saving the northern white rhinos are slim but we will keep working to perfect IVF techniques that may prevent their extinction," he conveyed during the tribute ceremony.
Sudan's caregiver James Mwenda gave his remarks urging that: "Sudan's death should be a wake-up call for all of us. We need to speak up for our animals to prevent a situation like that facing the northern whites."
[caption caption="CS Balala with the team of caregivers who took care of Sudan"]
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Sudan died aged 45 and up until his death, he was treated for age-related complications that led to degenerative changes in muscles and bones combined with extensive skin wounds.
His condition worsened significantly in the last 24 hours; he was unable to stand up and was suffering a great deal.
He will be remembered for his unusually memorable life. In the 1970s, he escaped extinction of his kind in the wild when he was moved to Dvůr Králové Zoo. Throughout his existence, he significantly contributed to the survival of his species as he sired two females.
