The International Rhino Foundation joins the Government of Indonesia in celebrating the pregnancies of two endangered Sumatran rhinos

The International Rhino Foundation joins the Government of Indonesia in celebrating the pregnancies of two endangered Sumatran rhinos

WASHINGTON, October 3, 2026— The Ministry of Forestry of Indonesia and Indonesian nonprofit Yayasan Badak Indonesia (YABI) have officially announced that two rare female Sumatran rhinos at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in Way Kambas National Park are pregnant. Ratu, who is pregnant by Andalas, is expecting her fourth calf in May 2027. Delilah is pregnant by Harapan with her second calf and also due in May 2027.

The announcement was made at Taman Safari Indonesia in Bogor. This news continues the momentum of World Rhino Day, held September 22nd, which raises awareness for the world’s five rhino species. With fewer than 50 Sumatran rhinos remaining in the wild, every successful pregnancy and birth plays a crucial role in saving the species.

“All five species of rhino face serious threats, and the Sumatran rhino is Critically Endangered. Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the fight to save this imperiled species. Ratu and Delilah’s pregnancies represent two more individuals that can help bring Sumatran rhinos back from the brink of extinction,” said Nina Fascione, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).

This achievement is a testament to the diligent conservation planning by the Government of Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry and YABI. IRF worked alongside the Government of Indonesia and Taman Safari Indonesia to design and build the sanctuary in 1996 as a semi-wild facility. Rhinos at the SRS live in their natural habitat with minimal human interaction except for necessary medical care and reproductive monitoring. Since the founding of the SRS, IRF has provided continuous financial and technical support, collaborating closely with the dedicated veterinary teams, keepers and scientists who manage breeding efforts and ensure the health and safety of these rhinos. The SRS is currently home to 10 rhinos, and IRF is actively fundraising to expand the sanctuary, as it has reached capacity.

“The pregnancies of these two Sumatran rhinos are not only good news for Indonesia, but also for the world,” states Director of Species and Genetic Conservation of the Ministry of Forestry in Indonesia, Dr. Ahmad Munawir. “This is part of long-term efforts to maintain the sustainability of the Sumatran rhino population through planned breeding, reproductive health management and intensive monitoring of individual rhinos.”

Ratu, whose name means “queen,” has been living at the SRS since 2005 after wandering into a local village and being transferred for her safety. She previously gave birth to Andatu (2012), Delilah (2016) and Anggi (2023), greatly contributing to the fragile Sumatran rhino population. Andalas was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in the United States and was returned to Indonesia in 2007 to support the breeding program at the SRS.

Delilah, who was born to Ratu and Andalas at the SRS in 2016, is the first Sumatran rhino born in managed care to successfully give birth to a calf of her own (Indra, born in 2023). Delilah’s breeding partner, Harapan, born at the Cincinnati Zoo, came to Indonesia in 2015. 

These four individuals have played a vital role in the success of the SRS’s breeding program.

Executive director of YABI, Jansen Manansang, adds: “We are committed to continuing to monitor the health of the mothers, the development of their pregnancies and their readiness for the birthing process. The SRS medical team will conduct intensive monitoring to ensure that Ratu and Delilah progress well through their pregnancies and give birth to healthy calves.”

The agencies and organizations working to conserve this valuable species extend gratitude to all the institutions, partners and donors who collaborate to make the success of the SRS possible. IRF will share updates as they become available from the Ministry of Forestry. To support Sumatran rhino conservation, consider sponsoring a rhino at the SRS here.

###

The International Rhino Foundation (IRF) manages, facilitates and funds conservation initiatives for highly threatened rhino populations in Africa and Asia. Established in 1993, IRF focuses on scientific research, fighting poaching, habitat and population management, conservation breeding, community development and capacity building, demand reduction and legal training and support to fight illegal wildlife trade. In the past decade, IRF has invested more than $25 million in rhino conservation and research. Learn more at rhinos.org.