Baby rhino embryo developed by artificial insemination: Best photo by John Juarez | Photography

THis photo captures a moment of fragile hope: the world’s first rhino pregnancy via artificial insemination, a tiny embryo that has ignited optimism among scientists fighting to save the northern white rhino from extinction. There are only two female northern white rhinos left on the planet – Najin and her daughter Fatu. Neither of them can get pregnant due to health complications. The last male died in 2018, making the species functionally extinct.

For the past 15 years, the BioRescue Project – an international consortium dedicated to saving this species – has been collecting and preserving sperm from deceased males. Using this genetic material and egg cells from Fatou, they created 38 embryos. It may seem like a lot, but it’s not. Since Nagin and Fatu cannot become pregnant, surrogate mothers are necessary and it is decided to use the southern white rhino, a subspecies that is less vulnerable to extinction. The team also needs to prove that their technique will work with southern white rhino embryos before any northern white rhino embryos are transferred to a surrogate mother.

After 13 embryo transfer attempts, they achieved the first viable IVF pregnancy in a southern white rhino. The embryo in this image is the result after the transfer. Unfortunately, the pregnancy did not reach full term (16-18 months), as the surrogate mother died of a bacterial infection in 70 days. But pregnancy has proven that this technology is viable, which represents a very important milestone.

Ethics is a key element of the project and a dedicated team of ethicists monitors every step to ensure no harm occurs. The northern white rhino lives in a reserve in Kenya, protected around the clock by dedicated rangers and caregivers. I realize that some may feel uncomfortable with surrogacy and artificial insemination in animals, but I saw first-hand how carefully the team assessed animal welfare. Professor Thomas Hildebrandt, leader of the project, says that science cannot be an excuse to repeat the mistakes of the past. It cannot be the only solution; Conservation must go hand in hand with science to prevent extinction.

Before becoming a photographer, I studied biology. I dreamed of becoming a scientist, but the science seemed too broad, and my applications to research institutes were clumsy and naive. It never happened. Photography became my way back. Years ago, I met the press officer for the BioRescue project, based in Berlin, where I live, and in 2020 he invited me and my partner – a journalist – to document the first southern white rhino embryo transfers in Germany. You amazed me. As a frustrated biologist, I was thrilled to work alongside this exceptional team. Since then, I have followed their work – first in German zoos, and since 2023 in Kenya.

I remember being at the airport in Germany, about to fly to Kenya to document what we hoped would be the first successful surrogacy – the team were brimming with excitement. But while we were still at the airport, we received the news that the surrogate mother had died. It was devastating. It was difficult to express feelings in words. This photo was taken when scientists were examining the DNA of the fetus.

The photo looks very different from the other photos I took for the project. It goes beyond documentation – it shows not a live animal or a scientific procedure, but something far more fragile. For me, it represents success and loss. It proves that science works, but it also reminds us how close we come to losing this species forever. I think it captures the emotional essence of the whole story.

Although the story is bittersweet, the embryo proves the success of science. If we listen to scientists and support their efforts, we can still correct our course and make the planet a better place. Yes, bad news is important, but we also need stories of perseverance. There are incredible people who work tirelessly and refuse to give up. The project came heartbreakingly close to success. It’s only a matter of time.

But time is running out. The German government, which has funded the project since 2019, has not yet confirmed its continued support. The next funding decision is scheduled to be issued at the end of November. Without it, progress may stall – not just for the northern white rhino, but also for other endangered species. This is very frustrating, especially when the goal is within reach. If we continue to marginalize environmental issues, we risk crossing the point of no return.

This photo is the winner of the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition in the photojournalism category. See all 100 winning photographs in an exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London, from 17 October until 12 July

Biography of John Juarez

child: Blanes, Spain, 1987
Trainers: “I’m self-taught. I discovered photography during my final year of biology and from that moment on I was hooked.”
Effects: “Sebastião Salgado, Sandra Bartocha, Bruno Damesis, and my partner and colleague Elena Geldenkern.”
High point: “The moment I received my first assignment that sent me to Namibia to document a conservation project.”
Low point: “About 10 to 12 years ago I tried to approach galleries in Berlin to show my work, but I was rejected by all of them.”
Top tip: “Good things take time! If you believe in something, don’t give up, go for it and give it the time it needs.”