Main image via Borneo Rhino Alliance
The last surviving male Sumatran Rhino, Tam, has passed away around noon on the 27th of May due to his worsened health condition.
The rhinoceros, in his 30s’ that loved playing in mud and eating bananas, died from multiple internal organ failure, a battle that he’s been suffering for some time.
“Regrettably, Tam died at mid-day, around noon on Monday (May 27). Invariably, everything that could possibly have been done, was done, and executed with great love and dedication,” said Christina Liew, the state minister for tourism, culture and the environment.
“His last weeks involved the most intense palliative care humanly possible, rendered by the Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) team under veterinarian Dr Zainal Zahari Zainuddin, at the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary in Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu.”
According to the Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA), Tam was not grumpy even though he was approaching middle-age and was “quite the gentleman”. He was also “a bit cheeky at times” and had a calm and steady manner.
The death of Tam marked the end of the male Sumatran Rhinos in Malaysia, leaving us with the last female Sumatran Rhino, Iman, left. WWF Malaysia called Tam’s death a “wake-up call” for us to save endangered animals.
There are only an estimated 30 to 80 Sumatran rhinos left in the world who are facing extinction due to the loss of habitat and poaching.
Christina added, “we hope that with emerging technologies at cell and molecular level, he may yet contribute his genes to the survival of the species.”
Let us all do our part in saving all the endangered species in the world.
Rest in peace, Tam.
Info via Borneo Rhino Alliance
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