Sumatran rhino move. » Los Angeles Zoo

23-02-2007

Patrick- I disagree that this species 'is being screwed'.... I think you'll find that sending Andalas back to Sumatra was an almost unique & major step in co-operation between the american zoos(cincinnati & L.A.) involved.
I think keeping the younger female Suci in America is a safer option as she isn't old enough to breed yet. With possibly two breeding females in the future, they could just make a real difference now. Also the only captive male which isn't related to her at present is Torgamba- the older male at Way Kambas whom Andalas is being brought in to replace. He has Kidney problems I believe.

What happened at Sungai Dusun where all the seven rhinos died so rapidly is to fresh for me to feel happy about another rhino leaving Cincinnati at present.. I think Cincinnati's expertise has been fundamental to possibly averting extinction for this species and they deserve to be able to extend their programme if possible. Perhaps the logical thing is for Emi's next calf(male) to eventually be exchanged for an unrelated one?

Good to know that Andalas has arrived safely at Way Kambas. There's a lot riding on him...

23-02-2007

Plenty of news around now about Andalas's safe arrival at Way Kambas Sanctuary- mostly from the same one or two articles though. Interestingly he had a course of inoculations while still in USA to protect him from tick borne parasitic diseases which, coming from abroad he would have no immunity to. He will be quarantined for 30-60 days (depends which report you read), and inspected daily for any sign of tick bites etc that could lead to illness, even being hosed down after mud baths in order to inspect his skin..

They don't expect to introduce him to the females for up to a year yet. This is certainly a risky and time consuming operation.

28-02-2007

There are now some good photos (just type in 'Andalas Sumatran Rhino'); 1. his crate just unloaded from the aircraft at Jakarta 2. him backing out of the crate at Way Kambas and 3. having his first mudbath...

Good Luck Andalas!

12-04-2007

But what about Javan Rhinos? Why aren't groups of them scattered in zoos that are experienced at breeding Indian rhinos. Then their population will increase.

12-04-2007

None have been exported- at least in the last fifty years and the population in Java is so small maybe they can't risk capturing any. As you said, they should be ok in zoos if kept on the line of the G.I. Rhino. I heard a rumour that Port Lympne were negotiating for this very species(Javan)

12-04-2007

That would be brilliant. They might have to be off show though. I'm not sure they may be quite nervous around people.

12-04-2007

Yes, I'm sure they'd be very nervous to start with, as they never see people in Udjong Kulon. However, newly captured Indian rhinos tame down very quickly, so I'd expect similar from such a close relative.

12-04-2007

What zoos have captured Indian rhinos? I thought zoos had stopped that now.

12-04-2007

I was referring to the founder animals captured in Assam for zoos like Whipsnade, Basle etc in the 1950's/1960's. These soon became tame and would feed from the hand even before being exported from India. Whipsnade's original male Mohan later became so tame he would allow invited guests to ride on his back...

Very few Indian rhinos are captured wild nowadays. London received two females from Nepal about ten years ago- I think they were wild caught. They are now at Whipsnade and one had a calf this year.

12-04-2007

Is there any up dates on how the new calf is doing?.

12-04-2007

Have a look on the ZSL website and click on Whipsnade. It has lots of Updates.

12-04-2007

Yes, but they don't update something like the rhino calf on a regular basis. You'll need someone who has visited for a proper update, but my guess is she is doing well. I saw photos of her taken in March... growing fast.

12-04-2007

I've never been to Whipsnade. Is it nice.

12-04-2007

Much bigger than Chester- vast area, but nothing like as many species as Chester, nor the quality of buildings/exhibits either. Mostly open range species which London doesn't have the space for.

13-04-2007

London zoo seems cramped