Andalas “Andalas,” the Cincinnati Zoo’s first Sumatran rhino calf has produced the first Sumatran rhino pregnancy in Southeast Asia for the global captive breeding program.
Andalas and his mate, “Ratu”, both eight-years-old, are expecting a calf in May of 2011. Both are living at the Sumatran Rhine Sanctuary in Indonesia
Andalas was borng in 2001, the first Sumatran rhino born in captivity in 112 years. Ratu, a native Indonesian, wandered into a village just outside the Way Kambas Park and was brought to the Sanctuary to keep her safe. The two rhinos will remain at the 250-acre complex built and supported by the International Rhino Foundation.
Considered the most endangered of all rhino species and perhaps the most endangered mammal species on earth, it is estimated that 50 percent of the Sumatran rhino population has been lost in the past 15 years. The primary cause is conversion of rhino habitat for agriculture, even in some national parks, and poaching for its horn which some Asian cultures believe contains medicinal properties.
Today, there are only 10 Sumatran rhinos living in captivity worldwide and fewer than 200 animals exist in isolated pockets of Sabah, Malaysia and the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. Sumatran rhinos can live 35-40 years.
Channel 12 news Cincinnati
No comments:
Post a Comment