Hope for Harry

Posted November 17, 2016

Harapan has been at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) for one year and is doing great. Cincinnati Zoo’s CREW scientists are at SRS right now to collect genetic samples from Harapan and his brother Andalas, both born in Cincinnati, to freeze for future use. The global collaboration includes SRS staff, CREW and a veterinarian from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Australia. Go Team Rhino! #HopeforHarry

Cincinnati Zoo’s CREW team had a productive three-day visit at SRS. Important reproductive techniques were shared with the SRS vets and keepers, and collection procedures confirmed that Harapan is fertile. His brother, Andalas, is the only proven breeder on the planet and also lives at SRS with 3 adult females and his 2 offspring. It’s estimated that there are fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos left, so successful breeding by SRS is key to their survival.

Harapan getting watermelon from SRS keeper. He is healthy and will soon get the opportunity to breed.
Harapan getting watermelon from SRS keeper. He is healthy and will soon get the opportunity to breed.
Harapan relaxing. He has a huge forest area to explore but comes into his large pen area when keepers are caring for him.
Harapan relaxing. He has a huge forest area to explore but comes into his large pen area when keepers are caring for him.
Dr. Terri Roth from Cincinnati Zoo's CREW with six-month-old Delilah, daughter of Andalas.
Dr. Terri Roth from Cincinnati Zoo’s CREW with six-month-old Delilah, daughter of Andalas.
Delilah
Delilah
4 1/2-year-old Andatu, nephew of Harapan, happily roaming in his forest area at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary. Global team Sumatran Rhino includes 2 CREW scientists, a vet from Australia & SRS vet and staff.
4 1/2-year-old Andatu, nephew of Harapan, happily roaming in his forest area at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary. Global team Sumatran Rhino includes 2 CREW scientists, a vet from Australia & SRS vet and staff.
Team from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Team from Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Dr. Jessye and Dr. Zulfi examine samples from Harapan. Good news! He's fertile :)
Dr. Jessye and Dr. Zulfi examine samples from Harapan. Good news! He’s fertile 🙂
Dr. Terri sharing techniques with Dr. Zulfi and SRS team.
Dr. Terri sharing techniques with Dr. Zulfi and SRS team.
Collaboration.
Collaboration.
Dr. Benn from Taronga works with Dr. Zulfi to monitor anesthesia.
Dr. Benn from Taronga works with Dr. Zulfi to monitor anesthesia.
Harapan gets fruit from keeper after procedure.
Harapan gets fruit from keeper after procedure.
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