There are only about 80 Sumatran rhinos left in the wild. But about two weeks ago, at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas National Park, a rhino named Rosa gave birth to a female calf sparking new hope for the highly endangered species.
“The birth of the Sumatran rhino is good news amid the efforts of the Indonesian government and partners to increase the Sumatran rhino population,” said Wiratno, the director-general of conservation at the environment ministry.
As usual, these rhinos' extremely vulnerable existential conditions are due to relentless poaching and habitat destruction. Because of how small and scattered the rhino populations are, breeding is difficult, making captive breeding the only hope to avoid extinction since the animals can’t support a big enough birth rate that exceeds the natural death rate in the wild.
The birth of Rosa’s calf represents the first birth of the species at the facility in ten years. Optimist Daily writes that according to Wiratno, “with the support of technology and collaboration of expertise both from within and outside the country,” the park can help the endangered rhino population bounce back from the brink of extinction.
“Rosa’s pregnancy represents new hope for this Critically Endangered species,” said Nina Fascione, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation, to NBC News.
If humanity could start living in harmony with nature and the species we share this planet with, a greener future could come sooner.
Linn Winge
