Two Sumatran rhinos pregnant at Indonesia sanctuary

Indonesia's forestry ministry said two critically endangered Sumatran rhinos at Way Kambas National Park on Sumatra island are pregnant, raising hopes for one of the world's rarest mammals.

The ministry said Ratu, a female Sumatran rhino, has been pregnant with her fourth calf for 238 days, nearly half the species' gestation period. Her daughter Delilah is more than 250 days into a pregnancy with her second calf. Both are expected to give birth in May 2027.

Forestry ministry official Ahmad Munawir said the pregnancies were part of long-term work to support the Sumatran rhino population through planned breeding, reproductive health management and close monitoring.

The ministry said medical staff, keepers and national park managers were monitoring the health and safety of both females.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies Sumatran rhinos as critically endangered, with fewer than 80 individuals remaining in the wild. The species is found only in Indonesia, in national park areas in North Sumatra, Lampung, Bengkulu and East Kalimantan.

Nina Fascione, executive director of the International Rhino Foundation, said the announcement was a significant milestone for efforts to save the species.