This is Sudan, the only male northern white rhino left on the entire planet

Meet Sudan. He’s a northern white rhino who has a lovely home at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, and he’s a really special guy . . . especially because he’s the last known male of his kind on the face of the planet.

His species has been hunted to near extinction by poachers. Why? Because Sudan’s horn can sell for $75,000 per 2.2 pounds, according to The Guardian. Now, Sudan is the only hope for the species to continue. There are five female rhinos left, according to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, but after the tragic passing of the only other male northern white, Suni, Sudan is the only way those lady rhinos can make beautiful rhino babies.

The threat of extinction for northern white rhinos looms, and with Sudan being one of only six left on the planet, the possibility of a poacher break-in is nothing short of terrifying. However, Sudan isn’t alone. In fact, he has a fabulous rotation of passionate, experienced rangers that monitor the area and have plenty of gadgets, like security dogs, GPS trackers, and even surveillance aircrafts to protect Sudan at all times. The team is dedicated to making sure Sudan and the other remaining northern white rhinos are as safe as possible.

Here are some photos of the team in action:

Caretaker Mohammed Doyo caresses Najin, a female northern white rhino.

The team prepares to patrol for poachers at Ol Pejeta.

Doyo feeds Najin, center.

Anti-poaching rangers discover a human footprint.

Sudan is fed by a caretaker.

We’re so happy that so many dedicated people are on the northern white rhino’s side, doing all they can to try and save the nearly depleted species.

Unfortunately, though conditions were made perfect for breeding thanks to Ol Pejeta, there’s been no breeding yet. Now, scientists are considering artificial insemination, or possibly cross-breeding the female northern whites with similar subspecies, then breeding them back to pure northern whites.

We salute all these amazing people who are trying to save the species from extinction and we can’t help but totally love Sudan.

To learn more about how to help Sudan and his rhino friends, check out Ol Pejeta’s website or like them on Facebook.

Images via Dai Kurokawa / EPA