Baby Is Only The Second Of Her Kind Born In 128 Years. Wait Til You See Her Mom…

An amazing event took place in Indonesia last week. The International Rhino Foundation made an announcement that one of their Sumatran rhinos, a female named Ratu, just gave birth to a female rhino calf. Think that doesn’t necessarily qualify as “amazing”?

Image Credit: Stephen Belcher / Canon / IRF / YABI

Well, think about this: That’s the second Sumatran rhino to be born in Indonesia in over one hundred twenty-eight years. 128 YEARS! Incidentally the first rhino born that broke this century long spell also came from Ratu.

Image Credit: Stephen Belcher / Canon / IRF / YABI

Her son was born in 2012 and was named Andatu. Sumatran rhinos are the single most endangered mammal on the planet. They now only exist in Indonesia, and their population is so small that Ratu’s baby girl counts as a one percent increase in the Sumatran population.

Image Credit: Stephen Belcher / Canon / IRF / YABI

These rhinos are usually solitary and live very spread out. That fact, paired with rampant poaching and habitat destruction have caused the Sumatran population to decline rapidly. The International Rhino Foundation works to support Rhino Protection Units in national parks.

Image Credit: Stephen Belcher / Canon / IRF / YABI

Members of those units spend 15 days out of every month patrolling the parks, checking on the rhinos, and deactivating snares that can harm or kill the large creatures. Everyone working at the Foundation is incredibly excited about the newest member of the Sumatran species.

Image Credit: Stephen Belcher / Canon / IRF / YABI

They all acknowledge that she won’t be able to save the Sumatran species, but for now she’s one extra member, and that’s enough. Plus, she’s an adorable baby animal! Who knew that baby rhinos were so cute? Everyone is excited to see what life brings to this baby girl.

Image Credit: Stephen Belcher / Canon / IRF / YABI

Share away, people!

“I’m Not Leaving You, Mama!” This is What Love Looks Like.

UPDATE: Lizzie and Phantom are currently recovering in an outdoor koala ward within the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital . They’re doing swimmingly; Phantom is both gaining weight and exploring his temporary habitat. And of course, mama and baby are sharing more adorable cuddles! For most species in the animal kingdom, the bond between mother and baby is incredibly strong. That's pretty much inarguable. But last week, two koalas in Australia further proved it. After they were hit by a car, Lizzie and her joey, Phantom were welcomed into the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Six-month-old Phantom had escaped the accident unscathed. Lizzie, however, wasn’t looking so good, what with facial trauma and a collapsed lung. In order to survive, she needed to go under the surgeon’s knife. But this marsupial mama wasn’t alone during the life-saving procedure. Phantom accompanied her and clung to her as she received treatment. The vets let them be; Phantom was too y...

The Sound Of This Baby Rhino Wailing After Its Mother Was Killed By Poachers Will Haunt You

It’s one of the most sorrowful sounds you’ll ever hear, but it’s also a sad reality check for anyone who thinks protected species are safe from illegal poaching. In a video released this in July, a baby rhino named Davi cries for his mother after she was shot and killed by poachers. Most rhinos spend at least three years with their mothers before weaning, the Dodo reports, but Davi’s childhood was cut short at just 8 months old. The baby rhino stood close by his mother’s lifeless body until rescuers arrived. They fitted her with earplugs and a blindfold to calm his anxiety on the way to The Rhino Orphanage in South Africa. Source: YouTube/Terrence Daniels Davi huddles close to his mother’s dead body. It was there that Davi spent the night crying. “His calls for mom echoed deeply and urgently throughout the night, but two carers have been with him every step of the way,” caretakers posted . “At least he is in good physical condition [and] has no injuries...

Protect Our Waters: Say No To Plastic Waste!

Plastic garbage. It’s something we all see everyday. Don’t be fooled to think that these plastics are merely an eyesore. We’ve become so accustomed to using plastic utensils, straws, water bottles and bags that it’s easy to forget the impact this has on our environment and climate. My name is Tyler and I’m in my fourth year of university in Canada, where I’m earning a degree in Environmental Studies. I'm also an environmental activist. Even for someone like me, it’s hard to avoid using plastic at places like fast food restaurant, and that needs to change. I’ve started this movement to highlight calls to action happening around the world, and to grow a community of everyday citizens pressing governments and companies to get serious about cleaning up our rivers, lakes and oceans . When we work together, and keep the pressure on, we really can make an impact. I know this firsthand, after collaborating with activists across Canada to successfully urge th...

Animal Lovers

Search This Blog