Gentle giant Fatu is the only hope for saving the northern white rhino

Najin (left) and her daughter Fatu grazing at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Scientists are hoping to save the northern white rhino from extinction with an elaborate procedure that includes harvesting Fatu's egg cells. Taking eggs from Najin has been less successful. Photo: dpa

A sustained groan can be heard from one corner of the enclosure as Fatu, a 1.8-ton northern white rhino, is being put under general anaesthesia. She sinks to the ground, surrounded by German and Kenyan veterinarians monitoring her oxygen levels and pulse.

There’s little room for error during the procedure: Fatu and her mother, Najin, are the last of their subspecies.