New Member Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary Welcomes a Baby Girl in Way Kambas National Park, Indonesia

If you think we’re only about software and data, think again.

The Sumatran rhino is the most endangered of all rhinoceros species, with no more than 100 surviving in small and fragmented populations across Southeast Asia. The goal of new member Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary is to increase the population of Sumatran rhinos in Indonesia by monitoring and protecting rhinos and their habitats, understanding the basic biology and breeding of the species, and working with local communities to build support for conservation. All of the data-keeping functions that these goals will require are supported in ZIMS.

Through the use of ZIMS, the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary will be able to effectively track and record each rhino’s health and status in real time. A permanent record of care and medical attention can also ensure the safety and health of each individual. Pedigree Explorer will provide information on the individual‘s parents, descendants and siblings for breeding purposes. ZIMS will not only enhance the organization’s ability to record data, but also to provide best husbandry and veterinary practices from other institutions around the globe. By providing the best zoological information system, rhinos have one of the strongest support networks available.

The Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary welcomed its first calf in 2012—the first born in captivity in Indonesia in 124 years! Just two months ago, that calf was joined by a healthy and active second, a female weighing 45 pounds. The information that can be tracked in ZIMS will help to ensure that this calf, too, will continue to lead a healthy life and be an ambassador for her species.

If you know of an institution that could benefit from membership, please encourage them to contact me at pdonlon@species360.org.

–J. Peter Donlon, Director, Global Member Development