Sumatran rhino rescue mission

This is a wonderful picture of the endangered male Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni) which was located in an oil palm plantation in an eastern part of Sabah. On 5 Aug 2008 after a 10-day operation, the rhino was finally rescued from the plantation and transported to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu which is the new Bornean Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary.


According to Sabah Wildlife Department director Laurentius Ambu: “The rescue of this adult male rhino in his prime is timely as the department is addressing the rhino population issue by launching a semi-captive rhino breeding programme based in Tabin. We commend the plantation management for immediately informing and assisting the department in rescuing the rhino. The fact that the rhino was not harmed and that the department was informed immediately tells us two things. First, that people are aware that the rhino is a totally protected species and that if anyone had harmed him, it would be a mandatory jail time for them and secondly they recognise how it is a really unique and special animal that needs to be saved."

Also, the WWF-Malaysia believed that the rescued rhino - estimated at only 30 left in Sabah - was the same animal captured on its camera and video trap in Feb 2007 as part of its rhino tracking efforts in the same area. I had blogged about the animal here.