Endangered Sumatran Rhino Born in Indonesia 

A handout picture released by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry on October 1, 2023, shows a female Sumatran rhino calf, born on September 30, 2023, with its mother Ratu, a 23-year-old female Sumatran rhino, at the Way Kambas National Park Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS TNWK). (Photo by Handout / Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry / AFP)
A handout picture released by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry on October 1, 2023, shows a female Sumatran rhino calf, born on September 30, 2023, with its mother Ratu, a 23-year-old female Sumatran rhino, at the Way Kambas National Park Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS TNWK). (Photo by Handout / Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry / AFP)
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Endangered Sumatran Rhino Born in Indonesia 

A handout picture released by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry on October 1, 2023, shows a female Sumatran rhino calf, born on September 30, 2023, with its mother Ratu, a 23-year-old female Sumatran rhino, at the Way Kambas National Park Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS TNWK). (Photo by Handout / Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry / AFP)
A handout picture released by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry on October 1, 2023, shows a female Sumatran rhino calf, born on September 30, 2023, with its mother Ratu, a 23-year-old female Sumatran rhino, at the Way Kambas National Park Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS TNWK). (Photo by Handout / Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry / AFP)

An endangered Sumatran rhinoceros, the smallest and hairiest of the4 five extant rhino species, was born in Indonesia last week in a conservation area, the government said on Monday.

Weighing about 27 kilograms (59.52 lb), the yet-to-be named female calf, was born on Saturday at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) facility in Way Kambas National Park, Lampung province in the tropical Southeast Asian country.

Covered in black hair, the newborn stood about 45 minutes after her birth. On the next day, she began to walk around the jungle, the environment ministry said in a statement.

The mother, 22-year-old Ratu, was in a healthy condition, the ministry said.

Ratu is a native of Lampung, while her mate, Andalas, aged 23, was born at the Cincinnati Zoo, United States, but has since moved to the same park as Ratu.

The pair previously had Delilah in 2016 and Andatu in 2021.

"This is a happy news, not only for Indonesia but for the world," environment minister Siti Nurbaya said in the statement.

There were just 80 Sumatran rhinos left in the world, based on a 2019 assessment of threatened species by the Indonesian government.

The mammal, Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, is the only Asian rhino with two horns and can grow up to 1.5 meters-tall, weighing between 500 to 960 kg.



Saudi Medical Team Separates Conjoined Twins in Groundbreaking 15-Hour Surgery

The procedure was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. SPA
The procedure was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. SPA
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Saudi Medical Team Separates Conjoined Twins in Groundbreaking 15-Hour Surgery

The procedure was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. SPA
The procedure was carried out by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines. SPA

The medical and surgical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program successfully separated on Wednesday Eritrean twins Asma and Someya, who were joined at the head, at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) Supervisor General and head of the medical team Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah said the complex procedure, which lasted more than 15 hours, was carried out in adherence to Saudi leadership directives by a dedicated team of 36 consultants and specialists from multiple disciplines.

The team employed neuronavigational technology and surgical microscopy to ensure precise planning and uphold the highest safety standards.

He added that this operation marks the 64th separation performed under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has treated over 149 cases from 27 countries over the past 35 years.

The program continues to receive strong support from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Over the years, it has achieved outstanding medical successes, showcasing the advanced capabilities and professionalism of Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector and its medical teams.

Consultant pediatric neurosurgeon and head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Dr. Moutasem Azzubi explained that the twins underwent a comprehensive evaluation, which revealed the fusion of skull bones, brain membranes, veins, and certain arteries.

The separation was conducted in stages, beginning with an initial surgical procedure followed by three interventional radiology procedures to block shared arteries and veins. The pediatric plastic surgery team inserted tissue expanders under the skin to stretch it over several months and allow sufficient skin coverage after the separation.

The twins' family expressed their sincere gratitude to the Saudi leadership for making this life-saving procedure possible and ensuring their children received the best medical care. They also commended the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts and extended thanks for the generous hospitality they received during their stay in Saudi Arabia.