About the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary
hhh
Supporting wildlife conservation efforts are extremely important to us, especially for those animals that are exclusively found in Indonesia. So, we would like to introduce you to a specie of Rhino that is severely endangered – the Sumatran rhino.
Who are the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary Foundation (SRS)?
1993 saw the establishment of Yayasan Badak Indonesia (YABI) which oversaw the development of the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in 1997. This Sanctuary in a non-profit organisation that was built for the purpose of breeding the highly endangered Sumatran rhino, in order to increase the specie population. This specie of rhino is now very little in numbers due to being poached for their horn aphrodisiac properties, which is sent to other Asian countries like China and Vietnam.
Located deep in Way Kambas, the sanctuary covers a vast area that is fenced off to ward away poachers or threats to the project. The rhinos of the sanctuary are kept in spacious zones and are left in environments that reflect their natural habitat. The Sanctuary is supported by the International Rhino Foundation and its efforts in conserving the Sumatran rhinos are highly commended. This is due to their enforcement of the law against poaching as well as their successful attempts to increase the specie population. However, they rely heavily on donations and increasing the awareness of the rhino’s severe endangerment. It is for this reason that we proudly support them, not only because they are small and hairy than the usual rhino, but they are the last specie of rhino that can be found in Asia.
Image: Bina in the woods. Credits: SRS
What difference does the SRS make?
1. Breeding Program
SRS is a facility that runs a breeding program. Although human contact is strictly limited, observation and monitoring methods are used to make sure the rhinos are healthy. This means that blood tests, weight checks and fertility checks are taken somewhat regularly. The Sanctuary also undergoes research to understand the nature of the rhino, this is to ensure a thorough understanding of the animal to provide them with the necessary care. Another step the Sanctuary takes to ensure the health and well-being of their rhinos is to monitor the transmission of disease. This sees adjacent villages getting tested yearly for various diseases as well.
The Sanctuary also works alongside various institutions across the globe in order to generate an awareness and understanding of the rhino. Some of these institutes include: IPB, Unila, Cornell University, Ohio University, Assafiiyah, UNAS. By pairing up with these institutions, the Sanctuary is generating awareness for the rhino within the ecological and zoological societies and in turn, have received an unprecedented amount of support and volunteers to help them with their research.
2. Law Enforcement
Since the introduction of the following law:
Actors poaching and trade of protected animals (including the Sumatran tiger, elephant, bears and other wildlife within Way Kambas) under penalty of law will get 5 years in prison and a fine of 100 Million Rupiah, which is over £5500*.
*using the exchange rate at the time this article was written.
The Sanctuary set up the Intelligence and Law Enforcement Unit in 2004 with the help of the government. They’re responsible for:
- Conducting intelligence operations.
- Arresting the perpetrators that attempt to poach and participate in any illegal wildlife trade.
- Escort and ensure crimes against hunting and forestry, especially in the case of protected wildlife trade laws, can be processed and submitted to the court and the offender shall be liable or penalties in accordance with applicable law.
Since its inception, there has been a strong crackdown and have seen over 150 suspects arrested and imprisoned.
Image: Baby Andalas playing in his enclosure. Credits: SRS
Why should we support them?
SRS have taken it upon themselves to conserve the severely endangered Sumatran rhino. Without their presence, the poaching and trade in rhino horn would have depleted the specie population, possibly leading to its complete extinction! It is for this reason that they deserve our support. On a larger scale, it is fair to say that their work ensures the protection and conservation of a specie that is native to the forests of Sumatra. This is why we, at The Happy Prawn Co., support them. As we work alongside the environment, we understand the need to ensure that steps are taken to conserve it.
Five fun facts about the Sumatran Rhino!
- The Sumatran rhino is the smallest rhino specie. With a body weight range between 600-950 kg, height of 1-1.5 m and a length of 2-3m.
- The Sumatran rhino is the also dubbed as the ‘Hairy Rhino’ as they are covered in reddish-brown hair.
- Sumatran rhinos have two horns: front (anterior) ranging between 25-80 cm while the horn back (posterior) is relatively short and no more than 10 cm.
- Sumatran rhinos have a solitary nature and only meet to mate.
- Sir David Attenborough has placed the Sumatran Rhino as one of the animals he would have on his personal ark.
Image: Rosa relaxing in the sun. Credits: SRS
The Happy Prawn Co. have proudly supported SRS since 2007.
________________
About The Happy Prawn Co.
The Happy Prawn Co. is an independent, ethical brand producing 100% natural, 100% traceable Black Tiger prawns from Indonesia. Aimed at seafood lovers and foodies alike, the brand officially launched in 2018, but it’s the result of more than a decade’s dedication.
Check out this short video about our story here:
It’s in reality a great and useful piece of info.
I’m satisfied that you just shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Pat, we will endeavour too!
I think the admin of this web page is in fact working hard in favor of his site,
because here every data is quality based material.