Andalas and Ratu introduction

As part of the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary's captive breeding program, Andalas (the 7-year-old male Sumatran rhino born at the Cincinnati Zoo and transferred to Indonesia in 2007) is being exposed to as many of the sanctuary's female rhinos as possible so he learns to communicate with the females long before they are put together for breeding purposes. This socialization process is being facilitated by feeding the rhinos their daily diets through the fence at the central breeding area, and then opening the gate so the rhinos can interact with each other if they choose. Over the past several months, Andalas has routinely been introduced to all three of the Sanctuarys females: Bina, Ratu and Rosa. This video shows an introduction between Andalas and Ratu - chasing and fighting are actually part of normal rhino "courting rituals." Soon after this video was shot, Andalas mated with Ratu for the first time. http://www.rhinos-irf.org/

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• rhino
• sumatran rhino
• introduction
• wildlife
• borneo
• andalas
• conservation
• breeding
• endangered species