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Cincinnati Zoo’s Famous Sumatran Rhino, Emi, Dies

September 6, 2009 By 2 Comments
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Sumatran rhinos, Emi and Harapan

In a heartbreaking setback to Sumatran rhino conservation, the Cincinnati Zoo’s beloved Emi has died.

Emi the Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) was the heart of the world’s only successful captive breeding program for the critically endangered species.

According to local news sources, world-famous 21-year-old Emi died yesterday, after appearing less energetic for several weeks. The typical lifespan of a Sumatran rhino is 35 – 40 years.

Emi gave birth to a history-making three calves. Andalas, born in 2001, was released to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in Way Kambas National Park, south Sumatra. Suci was born in 2004, and her most recent calf, Harapan, in April 2007.

The worldwide Sumatran rhino population is only about 275.

Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/walanbaker/ / CC BY 2.0

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About Rhishja Cota-Larson

Rhishja is the founder of Saving Rhinos, which publishes news and information about the illegal trade in rhino horn and rhino conservation issues. She is the Editor of the blogs "Rhino Horn is Not Medicine" and "Project Pangolin", and author of the book "Murder, Myths & Medicine". Check out savingrhinos.org, rhinoconservation.org, and pangolins.org to learn more. When Rhishja is not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, she enjoys rocking out to live music.

Comments

  1. Allen Nyhuis says:
    September 7, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Yes, this truly IS heart-breaking! Emi was such an important part of Sumatran rhino conservation! Think about it — only 275 of these animals on the entire planet, and 3 of those 275 are Emi’s offspring. These hairy rhinos are one of the coolest things to see at the great Cincinnati Zoo.

    Allen Nyhuis, Coauthor: America’s Best Zoos

    Reply
  2. Allen Nyhuis says:
    September 8, 2009 at 12:35 am

    This truly IS heart-breaking! Emi was such an important part of Sumatran rhino conservation! Think about it — only 275 of these animals on the entire planet, and 3 of those 275 are Emi’s offspring. These hairy rhinos are one of the coolest things to see at the great Cincinnati Zoo.

    Allen Nyhuis, Coauthor: America’s Best Zoos

    Reply

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