Associated Press, Jakarta | Archipelago | Sat, June 23 2012, 6:14 PM
A highly endangered Sumatran rhinoceros gave birth to a calf Saturday in western Indonesia, a forestry official said. It is only the fifth known birth in captivity for the species in 123 years.
The mother, Ratu, delivered the male calf after a nearly 16-month pregnancy at Way Kambas National Park in Lampung province, said Novianto Bambang, director of biodiversity conservation at the Forestry Ministry.
"This is a historic birth because Sumatran rhinos are on the brink of extinction," Bambang said.
He said both mother and calf are doing well.
The US-based International Rhino Foundation called the first birth of a Sumatran rhino at an Indonesian facility "monumental" and said it was one of the most significant advances in conservation efforts for the species.
