The photographer documents the work of Kenya’s Ol Pejeta Conservancy – one of the world’s largest rhino sanctuaries – in a moving new photo book
Kenya‘s Ol Pejeta Conservancy is currently home to the world’s last living Northern White Rhinos: a mother and a daughter named Najin and Fatu. With the species now on the brink of total extinction, their situation is urgent – though thankfully, not entirely without hope. Last year, scientists at the sanctuary successfully attempted in-vitro fertilisation of Najin and Fatu’s frozen eggs, using the sperm of a deceased Northern White Rhino.
To capture this groundbreaking project, Jack Davison headed to Kenya on special assignment from the New York Times. The London-based photographer was granted exclusive access to Ol Pejeta to document the daily life of Najin and Fatu, who are normally fiercely guarded by dogs, weapons and drones. Davison also turned his focus to the “spiritual and physical” connection the rhinos have with their caretakers, who care for “the girls” tirelessly to ensure their safety.
The outcome – which is now a limited edition book, titled Ol Pejeta – is a moving portrait of a species’ final days. As well as being a tragic reminder of mankind’s negligence to nature, these images also radiate warmth; offering hope for the future of these rhinos, and admiration for the devoted people trying to save them.
Jack Davison’s Ol Pejeta is available now through Loose Joints. A portion of all proceeds will go towards supporting the work of Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Biorescue, the genetic project.
You can read the New York Times story, ‘The Last Two Northern White Rhinos On Earth’, here.