Jakarta, November 29, 2018. The Government of Indonesia and Sumatran Rhino Rescue, an alliance of leading international conservation organizations have successfully rescued and relocated a critically endangered female Sumatran Rhino in good health to a safe haven in Borneo with support from local partners. This rescue operation is a key activity of a breeding conservation program that aims to save the species from extinction and to increase the Sumatran Rhino population to a viable size for release back into the wild.

The Sumatran Rhino was transported by truck from the rescue site in West Kutai, to a temporary holding facility in the Kelian Lestari Protection Forest also in West Kutai Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia.

The Sumatran rhino is one of the most endangered large mammals on the planet. With fewer than 80 individuals worldwide, the species is at a critical point. After years of poaching and habitat loss, the biggest threat it faces today is its small and scattered population. Due to its isolated population, it is difficult to find a mate. Sumatran Rhino breeding efforts also carry a high risk to the rhino's fertility rate as a result of the long isolation period. In their habitat enclaves scattered across Indonesia's two major islands, hopes for their survival depend on the ability of conservationists to locate and safely relocate them to specialized facilities designed for their care.

Wiratno, Director General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of Indonesia said, "This translocation is an important first step in a broader effort to save Sumatran Rhinos, as they are now in a critical situation. The Government of Indonesia is fully committed not only to the captive breeding efforts currently underway but also to safeguarding the Sumatran Rhino's natural habitat in the hope of eventually reintroducing a population of this species into the wild under better conditions."

Jon Paul Rodriguez, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission said, "The Government of Indonesia's dedication to this program, supported by the passion and collaborative efforts of Sumatran Rhino Rescue and the knowledge learned over the past few years on both captive and wild Sumatran Rhinos, allows us to affirm that we are well equipped to take this project forward successfully. Good and careful planning is the key to this week's rescue, the quality of which will then be seen in the following months."

A team of experts led by WWF, the founders of Sumatran Rhino Rescue and partners are supporting the Government of Indonesia in search and rescue operations in Borneo, working together to ensure that the rhinos remain safe and healthy throughout the capture and relocation process.

Rizal Malik, CEO of WWF-Indonesia said, "There is still a long journey ahead but the success of today's rescue effort shows a bright future for Sumatran Rhinos. The Sumatran Rhino is Indonesia's heritage and pride; we cannot stand by and watch this species go extinct. WWF supports the Government of Indonesia to take decisive action to conserve this species, before it is too late. Rhinos and many other species, as we know, are currently in great danger as their habitat is degraded. We recognize that even with years of preparation and the help of leading rhino conservation experts from around the world, an operation like this still carries risks. But in a situation where animals are threatened with extinction, we have little choice. While the risks remain for the rhinos we are trying to save, moving them to a place that is safer and more conducive to repopulation is still worth a try. We are cautiously optimistic, especially given the dedication of the team on the ground who will continue to care for Pahu throughout his time in his new home."