Memorial for last male northern white rhino held in Kenya

(KMSP) - A memorial was held Saturday in Kenya for the last male northern white rhinoceros. 

Conservation officials had to put down Sudan, the 45-year-old rhino, due to his health. He died on March 20. 

Only two females remain in the entire species, though scientists hope to preserve the species through in vitro fertilization.

Ivory poaching is a threat so large that Sudan the rhino had a team of armed guards that followed him around the clock. Now anyone caught possessing ivory can be sentenced to life in prison, the Kenyan government said.