A male Sumatran rhino calf (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was born in the Sumatran Rhino Reserve, Way Kambas National Park (SRS TNWK), Saturday, November 25 2023.
The rhino calf from a mother named Delilah was the fifth born at SRS TNWK.
“This further confirms the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in carrying out rhino conservation efforts in Indonesia, especially the Sumatran rhino,” said Minister of Environment and Forestry Siti Nurbay, Sunday, November 26, 2023.
Minister Siti added, from the semi-natural breeding efforts carried out, at SRS TNWK there have been five individual Sumatran rhinos born, namely Andatu (2012), Delilah (2016), Sedah Mirah (2022), the third child from Ratu-Andalas (30 September 2023) and son of Delilah-Harapan (25 November 2023).
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Delilah, a 7 year old female Sumatran rhino, was born as a result of the second birth of Ratu and Andalas’ marriage at SRS TNWK in 2016.
Harapan was born from Emi and Ipuh’s third marriage at the Cincinnati Zoo, United States in 2007.
Harapan began occupying SRS TNWK in 2015. Harapan also became the last Sumatran rhino to be repatriated to Indonesia, indicating that currently there are no more Sumatran rhinos apart from Indonesia.
Satyawan Pudyatmoko, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) explained that the condition of the mother and calf was well monitored.
The calf can now stand upright and walk. Not long after he was discovered he was able to breastfeed in a standing position. Currently, the mother and calf are in the SRS TNWK care cage (boma), with the calf weighing 25 kg.
“The SRS TNWK which is managed by the Way Kambas National Park Center together with the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI) is located in the special zone of the Way Kambas National Park. The main objective is to produce Sumatran rhino calves to maintain the survival of the Sumatran rhino species which is now threatened with extinction. Sumatran rhino calves “In the future, the results of the breeding program at SRS TNWK can be released back into their natural habitat,” said Satyawan.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of YABI, Jansen Manansang, added that the rhino Delilah, which gave birth to its first calf, was the result of a natural mating process at SRS TNWK. Going forward, the Indonesian Badak Foundation continues to be committed to assisting and fully supporting the programs and efforts of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, especially in rhino conservation efforts in Indonesia.
According to the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation No. 106 of 2018, the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) is a protected animal in Indonesia. On the IUCN Red List, the current conservation status of the Sumatran rhino is critically endangered/CR. This fifth birth at SRS TNWK provides encouragement for all of us to continue to do our best to preserve the Sumatran rhino. ***
