Multi-talented Egyptian director and TV host Khaled Abol Naga is one of the first of 18 celebrities from all over the world who are heading to Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where they will have a rare encounter with one of the world's rarest creatures: the last male northern white rhino, named 'Sudan'.
Khaled is already well known for his do-good deeds, having been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2007 and a human and child rights activist. He got involved with the conservation efforts via a fellow conservationist, Dubai-based entrepreneur Hamid Hussain. Hamid spotted the #lastmalestanding campaign after it went viral.
Elodie A. Sampéré, the organization’s communications specialist, told takepart.com: “Hamid is passionate about supporting conservation," Sampéré said, "but rather than directly giving money he wanted to use his connections and company to get celebrity support for rhinos.”
About the Khaled's involvement, Sampéré said: “Throughout his involvement with UNICEF, Khaled Abol Naga has frequently addressed difficult and taboo issues affecting children in Egypt, including HIV/AIDS, female genital mutilation, children's rights, street children, and adolescents’ development,” Sampéré said. “His activism also extends beyond children, and it is hoped he can use his influential platforms to highlight the plight of Ol Pejeta’s northern white rhino to a wider audience.”
Khaled's visit will follow the arrival of Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri, who stars with Melissa McCarthy in the upcoming movie, Spy. Fakhri has appeared on America's Top Model and is also known for her work to protect India's tigers. (Photo of Fakri courtesy of Ol Pejeta)
Sudan, the 'last male standing', is 42 years old and the only male among five northern white rhinos in the world. Attempts at natural breeding have failed, so Ol Pejeta is exploring artificial means of reproduction to save the species. (Photo of Sudan courtesy of Ol Pejeta)
More celebrities will be announced in June. Sampéré was amazed by how many celebrities agreed to take part. “To be honest, we did not choose the celebrities. They chose us.”
Safari, anyone?
