KOTA KINABALU: The country's last female Sumatran rhinoceros is facing a serious health problem.
Sabah Wildlife department director Augustine Tuuga said the rhino, named Iman, is having tumour in her uterus.
"Usually, this can be treated with medication and supplements.
"But Iman is refusing to leave her mud wallow and she has hardly eaten, so the usual treatment has not been possible," he said in a statement, adding that she charges at anyone who goes near.
Augustine said the bleeding from her uterus started three days ago.
"It is believed that one of the larger tumours might have ruptured and is causing pain and bleeding
"Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) veterinarians are constantly monitoring Iman along with the keepers. We are hoping for the best and will keep the public informed," he said.
Iman was the last wild rhino found in Malaysia. She was captured in Danum Valley and transported to Tabin Wildlife in Lahad Datu in March 2014.
Despite being diagnosed with severe fibroids in the uterus, she still produced eggs for the in-vitro fertilisation attempts.
Iman and another male rhino Kertam are kept at Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu under the care of BORA.
Augustine said Tabin has received nearly six meters of rainfall this year making Iman's paddock a quagmire and making things even more difficult.
The country lost another female rhino, Puntung, about six months ago.
Puntung was euthanised on June 4 after suffering three months from skin cancer.
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