In Malaysia, the Sumatran rhino is no more. Much smaller than its African relatives, the Sumatran rhino was declared extinct in the wild in Malaysia in 2015. The remaining Malaysian population lived in captivity where conservationists hoped to breed them to rebuild a wild population.
That dream has now been crushed as the last two captive rhinos in Malaysia have died this year. Now with only 80 surviving - all in Indonesia - their only hope rests firmly in the hands of officials in that country. The Sumatran rhino has been fighting for survival for decades. Initially, they were driven to the brink of extinction by poachers and habitat loss.
But now there are so few in the wild that experts say it will be nearly impossible for animals to find a mate and breed in nature. Their extremely low birth rate also hampers their success.
If these rhinos are to
survive in Indonesia, and perhaps one day be reintroduced to Malaysia, the government must make saving them a priority. And it is imperative that they work with Malaysian officials in their breeding program.
The Indonesian government must make a public commitment to save these incredible animals, and work with Malaysia in every way possible towards that goal.
Please sign the petition and tell Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and the Ministry of the Environment to take action now.