Raising hope for baby rhinos


Averting extinction: Iman, trapped in March, is unable to breed naturally owing to tumours in her womb. Her egg cells, however, can be extracted to produce embryos in the lab. - LIM CHIA YING/The Star

Last-ditch effort: Advanced reproductive technology offers hope for the Sumatran rhino's survival. 

Lying chest-down in a quiet, dignified manner, Iman slowly shuts her eyes. She’s taking a rest, says her caretaker, but cutting a forlorn figure, it’s possible that she is trying to contain the discomfort from the pain inside her. A bunch of tumours are growing inside the female rhino’s womb, causing her to bleed.

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