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March 12, 2024, 10:20 a.m.

Can science save the northern white rhino from extinction and even bring back the dodo?

SUMMARY

The northern white rhinoceros is one of the world’s biggest animals, and one of the most endangered. Only two are known to be alive, both female. But scientific breakthroughs are raising hopes for saving the rhino and perhaps even bringing other animals back from extinction. John Yang reports.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Key terms

genetic engineering — the modification and manipulation of an organism's genes using technology

WARM UP QUESTIONS

  1. Who are Najin and Fatu?
  2. How many northern white rhinos still are alive?
  3. What project does Thomas Hildebrandt lead?
  4. How are scientists hoping to create genetic diversity in future northern white rhinos?
  5. When was the the dodo bird last seen before its extinction?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

Do you think it's a good idea to try to bring species back from extinction? Why or why not?

Media literacy: Who else would you want to hear from to better understand the ethics of bringing species back from extinction?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do:

Watch the Student Reporting Labs video and answer the following question: How do National Parks affect the populations of endangered species?


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