We, the writers of LittleThings, see it as our solemn duty to give the world access to adorable videos of every baby animal known to humanity.
In the past, we’ve thoughtfully offered up everything from adorable and teeny baby hedgehogs to adorably bizarre baby skates. But never before have we had the opportunity to show our readers any critter quite like this.
Researchers in Indonesia are celebrating an unusual, and extremely promising sighting at the Ujung Kulon National Park in Java. This park, located in a remote corner of the Indonesian archipelago, is the last known refuge of the critically endangered Javan rhino.
This diminutive rhinoceros has been over-hunted for centuries, and scientists now estimate that there may only be sixty or so still alive. Of those 60, only a handful are believed to be female.
Then, just days ago, a research camera concealed in the park captured something incredible: a mama rhinoceros, with her little one. And then, closely following, two more mothers, and their calves.
This is wonderful news, not just for the lone rhino mama, but for the whole species. Conservation of this species has been very difficult thanks to their remote habitat, and no Javan rhino has ever done well in captivity.
The presence of three Javan rhino calves from three separate mothers could mean the difference between life and extinction for this rapidly dwindling species. If this indicates that there are more female Javan rhinos than previously estimated, it could mean that this rhino has a real shot at survival.
Plus, these little ones are awfully cute besides! Please don’t forget to SHARE this video to promote the continued conservation of the Javan rhino!
