10 Sep 09

Cincinnati Zoo’s Famous Sumatran Rhino Emi Has Died

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 September 5, 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: flickr.com/photos/walanbaker/ / CC BY 2.0

Rhishja Cota-Larson

I am the founder of Saving Rhinos LLC, which publishes news and information about the global rhino crisis. Besides writing Rhino Horn is Not Medicine, I am the author of the book Murder, Myths & Medicine, the Editor of Project Pangolin, and a writer for the environmental news blog Planetsave. When I'm not blogging about the illegal wildlife trade, I like to rock out to live music.

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