The Last Sumatran Rhino in the Western Hemisphere is Leaving the U.S.

An article found recently on BuzzFeed talks about how one of the nine in total in captivity of the rare breed of sumatran rhinos, called Harapan is being moved from the U.S. to Indonesia to be a part of a new captive breeding program for endangered species. 

He is an 8 year old made rhino and his journey will take 50 hours, on sea, land and air, of a total of 1,000 miles. Not only is Harapan's journey long, but it is also unusual. This is due to the need for cooperation between governments (US and Indonesian), special training and multiple permits. Harapan is currently kept in the Cincinnati Zoo where he has been part of a Sumatran rhino breeding program where so far, three calves have been born. Even though this is a great achievement, the zoo is ending its breeding program which is why Harapan is being moved to the Way Kambas National park in Indonesia. He will be part of a new breeding program in Indonesia. 

If you would like to read more on Harapan's story the link to the article will be below and a link to another relating article as well. 

Links:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/jasonwells/last-sumatran-rhino-of-western-hemisphere-leaving-the-us#.ce08aBdJa

http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2015/08/25/last-sumatran-rhino-in-western-hemisphere-is-leaving-the-cincinnati-zoo/