There are no more than 100 Sumatran Rhinos left in the wild. To say they are critically endangered is an understatement.
The Cincinnati Zoo has been the world leader in successful captive breeding of the species. In fact, Emi, the Sumatran was phenomenally successful, having given birth to three rhinos in her lifetime! Quite the accomplishment for her species. (see previous post: Emi-the world-famous sumatran)
In 2003, she gave birth to her daughter, Suci. After her brother, Andalas, was moved to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in south Sumatra to breed, Suci and her brother Harapan were the only two of their species in all of North America.
In a desperate attempt to save the species from extinction, Cincinnati planned to breed Suci and Harapan. Unfortunately, at the age of 9, Suci has just passed away.
The cause of the rhino’s death has not been determined, but she was being treated for hemochromatosis, also known as iron storage disease. A necropsy was to be performed Monday. The results will not be known for several weeks.
Suci’s mother, Emi suffered from the same disease.
This is a horrible blow to conservation efforts for the species.