Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.
This is the text (if you need help).
Conservationists and animal lovers are in mourning today for the loss of Sudan the rhinoceros. Sudan was the world's last male northern white rhino. The 45-year-old animal was put down by his carers at a zoo in Kenya after "age-related complications". He had been in very poor health recently due to his old age. Zoo officials say his condition had "worsened significantly" and that he no longer had the strength to stand. His muscles had severely deteriorated throughout his body and his skin had "extensive wounds". The zoo's director said: "Sudan's death was a cruel symbol of human disregard for nature and it saddened everyone who knew him....He stole the heart of many with his dignity and strength."
Like many of Earth's majestic beasts, hunters have hunted the northern white rhino to near-extinction. There were more than 2,000 northern white rhino in the wild in the 1960s but their numbers continually dwindled because of the value of their horns. The only remaining northern white rhinos today are two females - Sudan's daughter and granddaughter. Both animals live in captivity so they will be protected. There are hopes that the two females can produce young to keep the species going. In vitro fertilization techniques using stored semen from other dead rhinos could be used to impregnate Sudan's offspring. The zoo is hoping to raise $9 million to fund the conservation project.
Comprehension questions- Who else is mourning, besides conservationists?
- How old was Sudan the rhino?
- What did Sudan no longer have the strength to do?
- What part of his body was extensively wounded?
- What did Sudan steal from many people?
- How many northern white rhinos were there in the 1960s?
- How many northern white rhinos are there in the world today?
- Where do the existing northern white rhinos live?
- What fertility technique might help to keep the species going?
- How much money does a zoo need for a conservation project?
Back to the white rhino lesson.
