The last 12 months have been a time of great progress for managed (captive) reproduction of the Sumatran Rhino, the most endangered of all the Rhinos. Protection of this species in situ is very difficult and uncertain. Hence, there have been attempts to establish a captive propagation for this species since 1884 as part of a diversified strategy to conserve this species.

However, the Sumatran Rhino has been very difficult to reproduce under captive conditions.From 1984 until 2001, only one calf was born in captivity and its mother was pregnant when rescued from an A doomed situation in the wild. However, through perseverance and cooperation of the many persons and organizations attempting to conserve this species, the first Sumatran Rhino calf both bred and born in captivity was produced at the Cincinnati Zoo on 14 September 2001. (Continued)