Source: Religion News Service
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — Religious leaders who campaign for wildlife conservation are mourning the death of the world’s last male northern white rhino, calling the subspecies’ likely extinction a spiritual loss.
“We are staring at the extinction of the animal type, under our watch. I think it’s a spiritual matter,” said the Rev. Charles Odira, a Roman Catholic conservationist priest from Kenya, where the rhino lived.
“I feel as if we have neglected our duty as stewards of creation and should have done more for this species.”
The 45-year-old rhino – named Sudan – was euthanized Monday (March 19) after suffering an infection and serious complications due to his advanced age. He was kept under armed guard at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, north of Nairobi, and left behind two female white rhinos — a daughter and granddaughter.
Categories: Africa, Animals, Kenya, Religion, The Muslim Times
The Muslim Times 