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SOS Rhino Announces Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004: Fundraising
Effort to Preserve Critically Endangered Sumatran Rhino
Chicago, IL – SOS Rhino, a non-profit foundation dedicated
to protecting rhinos with a focus on the critically endangered
Sumatran
rhino, announces the Borneo Rhino  Challenge 2004, a biathlon consisting
of a mountain trek and biking in Malaysian Borneo. This 12 day
event
to be held May, 2004, will raise funds for SOS Rhino’s conservation
efforts toward the highly endangered Sumatran rhino, specifically,
raising funds to support anti-poaching units in Borneo.
The event consists of a two day, 85 mile mountain biking challenge
coupled with a hike to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, elevation 13,422
feet, as part of the two week adventure. Also, as part of the Challenge,
the team will join SOS Rhino’s field staff deep in the jungles
of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, in search for signs of the elusive Sumatran
rhino in its natural habitat. One of the highlights of the extraordinary
trip is a visit to the internationally renowned Sepilok Orangutan
Sanctuary and rhino-breeding center in Sandakan, Malaysia.
Dr. Nan Schaffer, President, SOS Rhino comments, “Shy, curious,
vastly different from its larger cousins, the Sumatran rhino is
one of the most unique creatures on earth. Only in Borneo and on
this venture can the public still experience the last of these creatures
in their native habitat, while taking advantage of the world class
accommodations and organized event planning of a country that pampers
the world traveler.”
The program is open to 20 adventurous people who must be fit, healthy
and ready to work hard. The estimated cost is $4,000 per person
including airfare. There will be guides, rangers and medical and
mechanical support close by at all times. SOS Rhino is partnering
with Save the Rhino International on this program.
The Sumatran rhino is highly endangered due to poaching and human
encroachment within their natural habitat. With only 200 remaining
worldwide, the Sumatran rhino is the most unique of the five rhino
species living today. The smallest in size, it is known as the “hairy
rhino” due to the course hair covering its entire body. The
Sumatran rhino currently lives in pocket populations in the rainforest
of Sumatra, Indonesia, and Malaysian Borneo.
For the past 20 years SOS Rhino has provided funding and technical
assistance to rhino conservation research, education, and public
awareness programs and events worldwide. More information on this
organization can be found on our website: www.sosrhino.org. |
