The Last Sumatran Rhino In Malaysia Passes Away So Is Now Officially Extinct In The Country

Dec 03, 2019 by apost team

In Malaysia, the last Sumatran Rhino passed away on Saturday the 23rd of November. This officially brings the rank of Sumatran Rhinos in the country to extinction. It's a sad moment for everyone who wants to see these beautiful creatures flourish, but it's especially difficult for those who invested time, energy, and emotion to save this unique species.

Datuk Christina Liew, the State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister announced the death of the final Sumatra rhino from Malaysia on behalf of the Sabah Wildlife Department. She said that the announcement came with "great sadness". 

According to reports in the BBC, the death was natural and the cause of death has been categorized as shock.

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It's been reported that Iman received the best attention and care ever since her capture in early 2014 all the way up until the moment of her death.

Iman was a female Sumatran Rhino who lived to be 25-years-old. She received countless treatments for cancer which was diagnosed in 2014 after they discovered a tumor. Despite the tumor not being malignant, it did spread to the rhino's urinary bladder according to The Star.

It was ultimately decided that the tumor couldn't be removed because the risk of the surgery was too high according to The New Straits Times. There would inevitably be a major loss of blood. After being diagnosed, Iman was provided with extensive care by a professional team under the guidance of Dr. Zainal Zahari Zainuddin at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Professionals tried to fertilize Iman's ovum in the hopes that the species would live on in Malaysia and make a comeback. Unfortunately, the frozen semen used by the researches was not of high enough quality to be effective. The sperm was that of a late male Rhino called Tam who passed away in May of 2019.

National Geographic reports that the total amount of Sumatran rhinos has decreased to 80 after the passing of Tam and Iman, all of which are currently living in Indonesia. According to experts, the near extinction facing the species today is due to their isolation.

It's possible for a Female Sumatran rhino to develop fibroids and cysts within her reproductive tract if no mating takes place. This was the case with Iman's fertility.

If you are sad to hear about the unfortunate loss of these beautiful creatures in Malaysia, spread the word by showing this article to a friend.