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Sole surviving female Sumatran rhino may be on last legs

Only half a year after the demise of Puntung, Malaysia's second last living female Sumatran rhinoceros, the very last female named Iman, kept at Tabin forest reserve in Lahad Datu, has a serious health problem.

Sabah Wildlife Department Director, Augustine Tuuga, said Iman suffered bleedings from her uterine leiomyoma tumours, which started three days ago.

"Usually, this can be treated with medication and supplements. This time Iman is refusing to leave her mud wallow and she has hardly eaten, so the usual treatment has not been possible.

"She charges at anyone who comes near," he said in a statement here today.

It is believed that one of the larger tumours might have ruptured and is causing pain and bleeding.

He said Tabin had received nearly six metres of rainfall in 2017, so her paddock has become a quagmire, making things even more difficult.

"Both Borneo Rhino Alliance veterinarians are constantly monitoring Iman along with the keepers. We are hoping for the best and will keep the public informed," added Augustine.

- Bernama

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