The Race to Save Rhinos

There are five rhino species spread out across Asia and Africa. In the early 1900s, as many as 500,000 roamed the wild. Today, that number is down to about 27,000. Sumatran rhinos are nearly extinct.

One big reason all rhinos are in trouble is poaching. Hunters shoot the animals and saw off their horns, leaving the bodies behind. The horns can sell for $300,000 each.  

Many people believe that rhino horns can cure illnesses. They are often ground into a powder and used in medicines. 

But in reality, rhino horns don’t have any healing powers. They’re made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and nails. Still, there’s a big demand for these horns. 

Habitat loss is another threat. As the human population in Indonesia grows, more land is cleared to make room for roads and homes. Sumatran rhinos have fewer places to live. With so few rhinos in the wild, it’s hard to keep the population growing. 

There are five rhino species spread out across Asia and Africa. As many as 500,000 roamed the wild in the early 1900s. Today, that number is down to about 27,000. Sumatran rhinos are nearly extinct.

One big reason all rhinos are in trouble is poaching. Hunters shoot the animals and saw off their horns. Then they leave the bodies behind. The horns can sell for $300,000 each.  

Many people believe that rhino horns can cure illnesses. They are often ground into a powder and used in medicines. 

But rhino horns don’t really have any healing powers. They’re made of keratin. That’s the same material found in human hair and nails. Still, there’s a big demand for these horns. 

Habitat loss is another threat. The human population in Indonesia is growing. As it grows, more land is cleared to make room for roads and homes. Sumatran rhinos have fewer places to live. With so few rhinos in the wild, it’s hard to keep the population growing. 

That’s why the arrival of Indra and Anggi was so important. They were born at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary. 

It was built in 1996 in the animals’ natural habitat in Way Kambas National Park. Veterinarians there run a breeding program to help grow the rhino population. Their goal is to one day move the animals to the wild. 

The sanctuary is home to 10 Sumatran rhinos. Armed guards protect the animals around the clock. Vets give the rhinos checkups every day.

Strother says Indra and Anggi are healthy and growing fast. The calves have made her hopeful that the species can make a comeback. 

“Rhinos have been on this planet for millions of years,” Strother says. “It’s our responsibility to keep them here as long as possible.”

That’s why the arrival of Indra and Anggi was so important. They were born at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary. It’s in Way Kambas National Park. The sanctuary was built in 1996 in the animals’ natural habitat. Veterinarians there run a breeding program. They want to help grow the rhino population. Their goal is to one day move the animals to the wild. 

The sanctuary is home to 10 Sumatran rhinos. Armed guards protect the animals around the clock. Vets give the rhinos checkups every day.

Strother says Indra and Anggi are healthy. They’re both growing fast. The calves have made her hopeful that the species can make a comeback. 

“Rhinos have been on this planet for millions of years,” Strother says. “It’s our responsibility to keep them here as long as possible.”

1. Based on the article, what is poaching? Share a clue in the text that helps you figure it out. 
2. Based on what you’ve read, why do you think the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary has armed guards?
3. What is the purpose of the map?

1. Based on the article, what is poaching? Share a clue in the text that helps you figure it out. 
2. Based on what you’ve read, why do you think the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary has armed guards?
3. What is the purpose of the map?