On October 2, Reuters reported that a rare Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) recently gave birth at a sanctuary in Indonesia. This species is the smallest and most hairy of the five rhinoceros species in the world.
The newborn rhino stood for 45 minutes on its first day. (Photo: AFP).
The baby rhino, yet to be named, was born on September 30, weighing approximately 27 kg, at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas National Park (Lampung Province).
Covered in black fur, the calf was able to stand about 45 minutes after birth. The following day, the little one began to wander around the forest, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The newborn rhino is a female. (Photo: AFP).
It is estimated that only about 80 Sumatran rhinos remain in the world. (Photo: AFP).
The mother rhino, named Ratu, is 22 years old and in good health. Ratu is a “native resident” of Lampung, while the male rhino, Andalas, is 23 years old and was born at the Cincinnati Zoo (USA) before being transferred to the national park in Indonesia.
This couple has previously given birth to two other rhinos: Delilah in 2016 and Andatu in 2021. “This is good news not only for Indonesia but for the whole world,” said Indonesia’s Minister of Environment and Forestry, Siti Nurbaya.
According to estimates from the Indonesian government in 2019, only about 80 Sumatran rhinos remain in the world. This mammal is the only rhinoceros species in Asia with two horns, capable of reaching heights up to 1.5 meters and weighing between 500-960 kg.
