Rare Rhino Captured, Sentenced to Sex Slavery

Capture of rare rhino gives hope for species

Malaysian wildlife authorities say the capture of a young Borneo Sumatran rhino gives them a last chance to save the highly endangered species from extinction. The female rhino, aged between 10 and 12, was caught on December 18 and is being kept in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah on the Malaysian area of Borneo island. It is hoped it will breed with a lone captive male.

"All of us in Sabah are relieved that we have been able to capture this rhino after almost a year-and-a-half," Borneo Rhino Alliance director Junaidi Payne said.

The female rhino, which has been named Puntaung, was caught in a joint operation by the Borneo Rhino Alliance and the Sabah Wildlife Department.