Rhinos have existed on our planet for 60 million years, and there used to be around 30 species. Today only five are still around: the white Rhino and black Rhino - which live in Africa, as well as the Indian Rhinoceros, Javan Rhinoceros and the Sumatran Rhinoceros found in Asia. Extensive poaching and deforestation of rainforest have had severe effects on these outstanding animals and caused their numbers to decline sharply. Now it’s a race against time for the species to survive. But now comes news from Indonesia that is spreading hope to animal lovers worldwide.
Rhino mother Ratu, a Sumatran Rhinoceros, had been restless for several days and had wandered around at home in the Indonesian national park, Way Kambas. It was finally time.
On the 12th of May at 4:42, Ratu gave birth to a healthy small calf weighing about 20 kg. He was born healthy an was quick to cuddle with his mother.
“Once again Ratu shows us that she is a very good mother,” said Dr. Zulfi Arsan, head veterinarian at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary.
This is Mother Ratu’s second baby. Her first, Andatu, was born in 2012 and the latest member of the family is being celebrated by animal lovers worldwide.
Sumatran rhinoceros are critically endangered, with less than a 100 left around the world.
But the baby rhino’s birth is now spreading joy and hope that this magnificent breed will be able to have a brighter future.
“We are overjoyed that Ratu delivered a healthy calf and are cautiously optimistic that the calf will continue to thrive. She’s absolutely adorable, and we haven’t stopped smiling since the moment we were sure she was alive and healthy. While one birth does not save the species, it’s one more Sumatran rhino on Earth,” said Dr. Suie Ellis, executive director of the IRF.
Luckily someone was there to capture this magnificent moment of the baby’s birth. And we have it here for you.
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