SOS Rhino Review
December 2003

Welcome to the SOS Rhino Review, a newsletter about rhinos from SOS Rhino. You¹ll find links to interesting articles here as well as a few surprises! We have provided some updates on our efforts to save rhinos all over the world. If you¹d rather not receive this newsletter, simply reply to this e-mail and type "Unsubscribe" in the subject field.

And now, let's go to the rhino news.

1. About Us
2. World Rhino News
3. Feature Stories
4. Donor Appreciation
5. Find It On Our Web Site
6. Trivia Questions
7. How You Can Help
8. Trivia Answers

Full Stories Are Available Via Web Links
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1. About Us

SOS Rhino is a non-profit, international foundation dedicated to preserving the five rhinoceros species in their natural habitats. Our conservation programs combine research, education, marketing and advocacy, all working collectively to achieve sustainable results.

Through diverse stakeholder support, SOS Rhino develops and funds rhino conservation and awareness programs appropriate to individual countries, providing these countries with the information and tools to build lasting rhino conservation.

It is our goal to secure a place for this ancient animal in tomorrow’s world.




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2. World Rhino News

Outrage Over US Move On Endangered Species
CONSERVATION groups in East Africa are up in arms against a proposal by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (US-FWS) to ease restrictions on importation of threatened and endangered species as provided for in the US Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Malaysian centre's last rhino dies
Many species of rhino are at risk of extinction. Efforts to save a rare South East Asian rhinoceros have suffered a severe setback after the entire population of a captive breeding centre in Malaysia was wiped out by a virus.

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3. Featured Stories

Borneo Rhino Challenge Update
SOS Rhino officially opened registration in May and after six months, the excitement is palpable as we promote the Challenge throughout the Chicago area and beyond. Our first official registrant is Kerry Crosbie, who works as an Animal Keeper at Perth Zoo in Australia.

Over 11,000 Species of Animals, Plants Risk Extinction: Experts
The curtain on the global meeting to discuss how to preserve the planet's natural heritage ended recently with experts warning that more than 11 000 species of animals and plants risk extinction.

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4. Donor Appreciation

SOS RHINO wishes to acknowledge the following individuals, organizations, and foundations for their generous support of our programs. Their support comes in many forms: donation of their expertise and time, funds for specific programs and equipment, and donation of products. THANK YOU!

The "Magic Horn" Ultimate Frisbee Team:
Megan Brennan, Wade Callahan, Suzy Friedman, Charlie Goblet, Carter Johnson, Dave Kahle, Doug Kirk, Frank Kuhr, Neema Navai, Katie O’Rourke, Kenny Outcalt, Katherine Patnode, Bob Pearl, Barrett Ruemping, Mike Tomaszewski, Cherie Weinewuth

SOS Rhino wishes to acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their contribution to the “SOS RHINO Annelisa Memorial Fund”. Donated funds will be used to help continue Dr. Kilbourn’s work dedicated to the survival of the Sumatran rhinos in Malaysia. THANK YOU!

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5. Find It On Our Web Site

Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004
SOS RHINO and SAVE THE RHINO INTERNATIONAL invite you to climb to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, cycle the Northern tip of Borneo, and help us search for the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros of Borneo.

Current Rhino News
Read the latest news on rhinos and wildlife conservation from all over the world by clicking:

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6. Trivia Questions

1. TRUE OR FALSE: Javan rhinos can be found in captivity today.
2. How far do rhinos usually travel in a day?
3. In the dry season, how far will rhinos travel to seek water?

7. How You Can Help

Participate in the Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004
You can help us in our efforts to the save the Sumatran rhino by participating in the Borneo Rhino Challenge 2004. SOS RHINO and our partners, SAVE THE RHINO INTERNATIONAL are organizing this fundraising adventure to take place in May 2004. Pre-registration is required to secure a space.


Adopt a rhino, doc or keeper. Buy a t-shirt, hat, or video
There are only 300 Sumatran rhinos left on Earth. Without direct help from generous humans, they may never be seen again. We urge you to give what you can in the form of a donation – protect a rhino or adopt a rhino, doc, researcher, keeper, or purchase one of SOS Rhino’s products: a T-shirt, hat, or video. Visit today, and give from your heart.


Contribute to the “SOS Rhino Annelisa Memorial Fund”
SOS Rhino has established memorial fund in Dr. Annelisa Kilbourn’s name to help continue her work dedicated to the survival of the Sumatran rhino in Malaysia. Contributions can be made by clicking the button below or mailed directly to SOS Rhino (checks should be made out to “SOS RHINO”)680 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611. attn: Annelisa Fund. 312.222.0440, fax 312.222.0990. Inquires emailed to info@sosrhino.org.


Volunteer
SOS RHINO is looking for volunteers interested in helping us in our efforts to save the Sumatran rhinoceros. Our Borneo Team is studying the demographics of the remaining animals in Tabin Wildlife Reserve to determine when patrol units, habitat protection, or translocation may play a role in the rhinos' survival. Read more:


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8. Trivia Answers

1. FALSE. Throughout history from 1600 onward there have been only 22 Javan rhinos in captivity. The last known specimen in captivity was housed at a zoo in Adelaide, Australia from 1886 to 1907.

2. In Africa, it is said that when food and water are abundant, rhinos have no incentive to travel, so they stay in their favored localities. Rhinos in Africa are said to have a home range of about 12 sq. km, which means they would not travel more than a few miles each day.

3. Asian rhinos do not have a major problem in obtaining water, and travel to find food or partners. In Africa during the dry season, depending on the sources of water, the range increases from 12 sq. km up to 20 sq. km. Rhinos don’t need to drink everyday, and cycles of about six days have been recorded.