The Northern White Rhino painting was purchased last month and we were able to donate 10% of the proceeds to the International Rhino Foundation.

Through the donation of the Northern White Rhino painting, we were able to adopt two Sumatran Rhinos; Rosa and Harapan!

Rosa's Story

Beginning in late 2003, Rhino Protection Units working in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park began receiving reports from local villagers that a young Sumatran rhino, Rosa, had been observed walking along roads and browsing for vegetation. Most Sumatran rhinos are very shy and solitary, but this unique rhinoceros was comfortable living and feeding in close proximity to people. A special protection unit was permanently assigned to observe and protect this unusual animal who they named "Rosa", as there were serious concerns that Rosa’s habituation to humans could put her at risk. Eventually, Rosa was transferred to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Way Kambas National Park where she could be better protected and may one day reproduce.

Rosa had adapted well to her life at the sanctuary and still exhibits all of the behaviors that make her so unique. Because she is habituated to humans, Rosa regularly takes long walks in the forest with sanctuary staff. She is a particularly loud rhino, and often vocalizes, especially when people are close by, or when her regular feeding time is approaching. Rosa also likes to “sing” when she is happily wallowing in the mud.

Harapan's Story

Harapan, a young male Sumatran rhino, was born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2007 to mother Emi and father Ipuh. Harapan spent time in three U.S. zoos over his first 8 years of life: the Cincinnati Zoo, White Oak Conservation Center in Florida, and the Los Angeles Zoo. ‘Harry,’ as he’s known to his friends, was moved to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) on 1 November 2015. Harapan will be gradually introduced to life in the rainforest. Like the other rhinos at the SRS, Harapan will eventually have access to a 20-acre open forest area where he can experience a semi-natural habitat while remaining safe from humans. For now, Harapan will be confined to a smaller area where he can become familiar with his new surroundings and keepers. After a bit of time, SRS staff will begin introducing Harapan to the resident females. Hopefully, Harapan will soon be an active participant in the Sumatran rhino breeding program. We can’t wait to meet Andatu’s future cousins!

Harpan is particularly special to me because I had the chance to meet the guy before he flew to the Island of Sumatra. I also had the opportunity to paint his portrait and donate it to the Cincinnati Zoo to help raise money for their conservation efforts.