NEWS
One Of The Last Three Malaysian Sumatran Rhinos Is Dying Of Cancer And Will Be Put Down Soon
In case you didn’t know, there are only THREE Sumatran Rhinos left in Malaysia. Yes guys, you read that right. The number is so low that we too, were in disbelief when we found out.
What’s even more heartbreaking is, one of the rhinos named Puntung is currently battling cancer. And the female rhino’s chances of survival are very bleak.
Puntung’s days are getting outnumbered as it has been confirmed that she will be put down for good. She will euthanised this June 15th.
The announcement was made yesterday by Sabah Wildlife Department, director Augustine Tuuga.
The Sumatran rhino was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer which has been rapidly spreading over the weeks. It is also said that she could no longer breathe through her left nostril as of yesterday.
"She can also no longer vocalise. She is in pain and her condition is declining fast. Other than administering painkillers, there is nothing more anyone can do," Augustine told the New Straits Times.
They have sought medical advice from a number of specialists on Puntung’s condition and they have all concurred that even with treatment, she will not survive.
"This was a very difficult decision to make, but the specialists agree that on balance, this is the best out of a very small number of unpleasant choices," he said.
Puntung previously underwent surgery in April to remove two molars and a premolar from the upper left side of her jaw which has been causing extreme abscess. It was caused by a bacterial infection.
After the surgery, the swelling continued and it was discovered that her infected tooth root had a more serious origin – cancer.
Soon, we will only be left with the last pair of Sumatran Rhinos in Malaysia, Iman (female) and Kertam (male).
The rhinos are being cared by a non-governmental organisation, Borneo Rhino Alliance, at the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu, Sabah.
Efforts to recover Puntung’s eggs are being done to help breed her nearly-extinct species through in-vitro fertilization.
She may be gone soon but her contribution to the survival of her species will forever be remembered. )':