Sudan lived in captivity for the final 38 years of his life in order to protect and care for him.

\"During his final years, Sudan came back to Africa [from Dvur Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic] and stole the heart of many with his dignity and strength,\" Ol Pejeta Conservancy said in a release.

The survival of the species, however, depends on less on the death of Sudan and more on the health of the two remaining females. Semen from dead northern white rhinos is stored around the world, according to The Associated Press. His daughter Najin and granddaughter Fatu would need to reproduce through in vitro fertilization, a technique which is still being developed, according to Ol Pejeta.

Video: Saving rhinos is 'risky' business in South Africa

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