captain alligator
Well-Known Member
Due to the critically low population of Javan rhinos, they are not kept in zoos today. (A Javan rhinoceros was kept at the Adelaide Zoo in Australia until 1907.)
Javan Rhino news
- Thread starter dean
- Start date
Tim May already mentioned this a little while ago, so no need to repeat it. And everyone here probably already knows why Javan rhinos aren’t kept in zoos.
Rizz Carlton
Well-Known Member
New video footage of Musofa in the JRSCA.
After first arriving on November 5, Musofa immediately went into the habituation paddock, where it is fully enclosed by dark tarpaulin for most of the time aside for medical checkups and feeding. Musofa has been noted to be stable with no sight of physical harms and has been weighted to around 1,2 ton (1.200 kg).
It's also confirmed that the care of the Musofa is being handles by staffs who had experiences in dealing with both Taman Safari Indonesia's white rhinos and the Sumatran rhinos of the Suaka Rhino Sumatra (SRS) in Way Kambas National Park. This is done as a way to maximize welfare and husbandry effort for this newly-arrived Javan rhino, including in term of feeding frequency, temperature and oxygen saturation checkups, and for fast respons unit in case of drastic behavioral and physical changes.
Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon on Instagram: "SIARAN PERS Perawatan Intensif dan Masa Habituasi Badak Jawa Musofa di Kandang Rawat JRSCA, Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon Setelah melalui proses translokasi bersejarah sejak tanggal 3 hingga 5 November 2025, individu Badak Jawa bernama Musofa resmi tiba dan ditempatkan di kandang perawatan (paddock) Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA), Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon (TNUK). Malam tanggal 5 November 2025 menjadi awal fase adaptasi yang sangat penting di mana setiap gerak Musofa dipantau dengan cermat oleh tim medis yang terdiri dari dokter hewan dan keeper (perawat) badak yang bekerja dalam sistem shift delapan jam di area kandang perawatan, memastikan pemantauan 24 jam tanpa putus. Selain berjaga secara langsung di area kandang perawatan, Musofa juga dipantau secara jarak jauh melaui kamera pengawas atau CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) yang terpasang di kandang perawatan. Begitu Musofa berada di kandang rawat, tim dokter hewan dan keeper segera melakukan serangkaian prosedur standar: pemberian pakan, obat-obatan, pengecekan kondisi fisik, kebersihan kandang, serta observasi perilaku untuk memastikan respons stres tetap dalam batas wajar. Malam pertama ini dijaga oleh tim doker hewan, yang bertugas terdiri dari dokter hewan dan keeper berpengalaman dalam merawat spesies Badak Sumatera di Suaka Rhino Sumatera (SRS) Taman Nasional Way Kambas (TNWK) dan lembaga konservasi di Indonesia. Mereka memahami karakter satwa besar yang sensitif dan membutuhkan pendekatan penuh kehati-hatian. Selain itu, keeper telah menjalani pelatihan intensif perawatan badak di SRS TNWK pada tahun 2024. Hadir juga dokter hewan dan keeper yang selama bertahun-tahun terbiasa menangani Badak Putih Afrika. Pengalaman mereka dalam merawat megafauna ini menjadi kekuatan tambahan yang memastikan keselamatan dan kenyamanan Musofa dalam masa adaptasi awal. (lanjut di kolom komentar)"
After first arriving on November 5, Musofa immediately went into the habituation paddock, where it is fully enclosed by dark tarpaulin for most of the time aside for medical checkups and feeding. Musofa has been noted to be stable with no sight of physical harms and has been weighted to around 1,2 ton (1.200 kg).
It's also confirmed that the care of the Musofa is being handles by staffs who had experiences in dealing with both Taman Safari Indonesia's white rhinos and the Sumatran rhinos of the Suaka Rhino Sumatra (SRS) in Way Kambas National Park. This is done as a way to maximize welfare and husbandry effort for this newly-arrived Javan rhino, including in term of feeding frequency, temperature and oxygen saturation checkups, and for fast respons unit in case of drastic behavioral and physical changes.
Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon on Instagram: "SIARAN PERS Perawatan Intensif dan Masa Habituasi Badak Jawa Musofa di Kandang Rawat JRSCA, Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon Setelah melalui proses translokasi bersejarah sejak tanggal 3 hingga 5 November 2025, individu Badak Jawa bernama Musofa resmi tiba dan ditempatkan di kandang perawatan (paddock) Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA), Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon (TNUK). Malam tanggal 5 November 2025 menjadi awal fase adaptasi yang sangat penting di mana setiap gerak Musofa dipantau dengan cermat oleh tim medis yang terdiri dari dokter hewan dan keeper (perawat) badak yang bekerja dalam sistem shift delapan jam di area kandang perawatan, memastikan pemantauan 24 jam tanpa putus. Selain berjaga secara langsung di area kandang perawatan, Musofa juga dipantau secara jarak jauh melaui kamera pengawas atau CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) yang terpasang di kandang perawatan. Begitu Musofa berada di kandang rawat, tim dokter hewan dan keeper segera melakukan serangkaian prosedur standar: pemberian pakan, obat-obatan, pengecekan kondisi fisik, kebersihan kandang, serta observasi perilaku untuk memastikan respons stres tetap dalam batas wajar. Malam pertama ini dijaga oleh tim doker hewan, yang bertugas terdiri dari dokter hewan dan keeper berpengalaman dalam merawat spesies Badak Sumatera di Suaka Rhino Sumatera (SRS) Taman Nasional Way Kambas (TNWK) dan lembaga konservasi di Indonesia. Mereka memahami karakter satwa besar yang sensitif dan membutuhkan pendekatan penuh kehati-hatian. Selain itu, keeper telah menjalani pelatihan intensif perawatan badak di SRS TNWK pada tahun 2024. Hadir juga dokter hewan dan keeper yang selama bertahun-tahun terbiasa menangani Badak Putih Afrika. Pengalaman mereka dalam merawat megafauna ini menjadi kekuatan tambahan yang memastikan keselamatan dan kenyamanan Musofa dalam masa adaptasi awal. (lanjut di kolom komentar)"
Zz123
Well-Known Member
A Historic First: Javan Rhino Translocated with Support of the KAPA K-61 Marine Amphibious Vehicle
Indonesia’s conservation community has marked a new milestone. For the first time ever, a Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) named Musofa has been translocated from its natural habitat to the specially designated Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA) in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK).
The translocation process, known as “Operasi Merah Putih” (Operation Red and White), represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of Indonesia’s most critically endangered endemic species. The mission was carried out under a Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Forestry and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The operation also involved Kodam III/Siliwangi, the Banten Naval Base, and received full operational support from the 1st Marine Amphibious Vehicle Battalion—a key element in this high-risk conservation mission.
The task force was led by Brigadier General Edy Saputra, S.I.P., M.Han., Commander of Military Resort Command 064/Maulana Yusuf Banten. Serving as deputy commanders were Colonel (P) Catur Yogiantoro, Commander of the Banten Naval Base, and the Head of Ujung Kulon National Park.
Extensive Preparation Before Field Deployment
Before Operasi Merah Putih commenced in the field, a comprehensive series of preparations was conducted to ensure full readiness of all teams. One of the most critical steps was the simulation of the KAPA K-61 Marine amphibious vehicle—designed to map out the terrain challenges that would be faced while transporting a rhino crate estimated to weigh more than one ton.
In addition, on 25 September 2025, the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI) conducted a Tactical Floor Game (TFG) at the Manggala Wanabakti Auditorium in Jakarta. The TFG functioned as a strategic simulation to ensure that all personnel understood their roles, evacuation routes, backup plans, and risk-response procedures. This preparation became a crucial foundation that enabled the operation to proceed effectively and in full coordination.
Capture and Relocation Sequence
During Operasi Merah Putih, one of the decisive factors for success was the use of the KAPA K-61 Marine amphibious vehicle, a large-capacity transporter capable of navigating the extreme terrain of TNUK, particularly its waterways. Its range, stability, and ruggedness ensured safety, comfort, and minimal stress for the animal throughout the journey.
A male Javan rhino named Musofa successfully entered the pit trap on 3 November 2025, following intensive monitoring. He sustained no injuries or fractures. Initial condition checks, stress assessment, and preparations for translocation were conducted according to protocol.
The relocation process began on 4 November 2025 at 04:00 WIB, with the evacuation of Musofa from the pit trap to the special transport crate. During this stage, personnel moved cautiously through narrow and slippery forest paths toward the KAPA K-61 pickup point.
On the following day, 5 November 2025 at 14:20 WIB, the KAPA K-61 began transporting Musofa’s crate via sea route toward Legon Pakis, the closest landing point that provided access to the JRSCA. Upon arrival at the transfer point at around 17:00 WIB, the team proceeded with the final land-transport phase using a truck. Every step was carried out with carefully controlled speed, while maintaining the rhino’s comfort and safety as the top priority.
Finally, at 18:20 WIB, Musofa arrived at the JRSCA, where he was placed in a holding paddock for the next phase of acclimatization and continued medical monitoring by veterinarians and keepers.
Significance of the Operation
The successful operation of the KAPA K-61 highlights the high operational standards, professionalism of the Indonesian Marine Corps, and Indonesia’s readiness to execute complex conservation missions. The translocation of Musofa demonstrates that thorough planning, strong scientific collaboration, and strategic multi-sector support can bring renewed hope for the survival of the Javan rhinoceros—now found only in Ujung Kulon National Park.
Indonesia’s conservation community has marked a new milestone. For the first time ever, a Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus) named Musofa has been translocated from its natural habitat to the specially designated Javan Rhino Study and Conservation Area (JRSCA) in Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK).
The translocation process, known as “Operasi Merah Putih” (Operation Red and White), represents a monumental step in safeguarding one of Indonesia’s most critically endangered endemic species. The mission was carried out under a Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Forestry and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The operation also involved Kodam III/Siliwangi, the Banten Naval Base, and received full operational support from the 1st Marine Amphibious Vehicle Battalion—a key element in this high-risk conservation mission.
The task force was led by Brigadier General Edy Saputra, S.I.P., M.Han., Commander of Military Resort Command 064/Maulana Yusuf Banten. Serving as deputy commanders were Colonel (P) Catur Yogiantoro, Commander of the Banten Naval Base, and the Head of Ujung Kulon National Park.
Extensive Preparation Before Field Deployment
Before Operasi Merah Putih commenced in the field, a comprehensive series of preparations was conducted to ensure full readiness of all teams. One of the most critical steps was the simulation of the KAPA K-61 Marine amphibious vehicle—designed to map out the terrain challenges that would be faced while transporting a rhino crate estimated to weigh more than one ton.
In addition, on 25 September 2025, the Ministry of Forestry, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and the Indonesian Rhino Foundation (YABI) conducted a Tactical Floor Game (TFG) at the Manggala Wanabakti Auditorium in Jakarta. The TFG functioned as a strategic simulation to ensure that all personnel understood their roles, evacuation routes, backup plans, and risk-response procedures. This preparation became a crucial foundation that enabled the operation to proceed effectively and in full coordination.
Capture and Relocation Sequence
During Operasi Merah Putih, one of the decisive factors for success was the use of the KAPA K-61 Marine amphibious vehicle, a large-capacity transporter capable of navigating the extreme terrain of TNUK, particularly its waterways. Its range, stability, and ruggedness ensured safety, comfort, and minimal stress for the animal throughout the journey.
A male Javan rhino named Musofa successfully entered the pit trap on 3 November 2025, following intensive monitoring. He sustained no injuries or fractures. Initial condition checks, stress assessment, and preparations for translocation were conducted according to protocol.
The relocation process began on 4 November 2025 at 04:00 WIB, with the evacuation of Musofa from the pit trap to the special transport crate. During this stage, personnel moved cautiously through narrow and slippery forest paths toward the KAPA K-61 pickup point.
On the following day, 5 November 2025 at 14:20 WIB, the KAPA K-61 began transporting Musofa’s crate via sea route toward Legon Pakis, the closest landing point that provided access to the JRSCA. Upon arrival at the transfer point at around 17:00 WIB, the team proceeded with the final land-transport phase using a truck. Every step was carried out with carefully controlled speed, while maintaining the rhino’s comfort and safety as the top priority.
Finally, at 18:20 WIB, Musofa arrived at the JRSCA, where he was placed in a holding paddock for the next phase of acclimatization and continued medical monitoring by veterinarians and keepers.
Significance of the Operation
The successful operation of the KAPA K-61 highlights the high operational standards, professionalism of the Indonesian Marine Corps, and Indonesia’s readiness to execute complex conservation missions. The translocation of Musofa demonstrates that thorough planning, strong scientific collaboration, and strategic multi-sector support can bring renewed hope for the survival of the Javan rhinoceros—now found only in Ujung Kulon National Park.
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Zz123
Well-Known Member
Source: Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon — Taman Nasional Ujung Kulon
Thank you for this update
I read the feature article yesterday (but then I am well-versed in Bahasa Indonesia), just had not had the time yet to upload it. It is nice to see this Jawan rhino project is a nationally executed conservation program with even the Marines wing of the TNI Federal Army involved along with BKDSA, the Ministry as well as participation by several zoos and the Way Kambas Sumateran rhino station experienced in rhino husbandry and management.
Zz123
Well-Known Member
When the news came out that the Indonesian government would capture Javan rhinos for breeding. I was extremely excited, and I didn’t expect they would be able to catch a rhino this quickly. When I looked for more information, I found that they already had target individuals: Musofa, a male, and Desi, a female. I think they are probably waiting to see whether Musofa can adapt and live normally in the JRSCA after capture. If there are no issues, then they will proceed to capture the female.
Would there be any new updated numbers of rhinos left in the reserve?
Rizz Carlton
Well-Known Member
Interesting, I have heard of the plan to add the female Desi just now. Where did this information came from? I'm not updated on this one yet.
Zz123
Well-Known Member
“That number comes from IRF’s State of the Rhino 2025 report — they estimate it at around 50.
State of the Rhino
Zz123
Well-Known Member
I'm still surprised this news doesn't seem to have reached mainstream/international news level yet. The other night the BBC news carried an item about someone filming a black rhino birth in the wild for the first time(while the studio backdrop was wrong, it featured white rhinos!) yet this groundbreaking news is not widely known.
Zz123
Well-Known Member
BREAKING NEWS:
Javan rhino Musofa, recently captured for translocation to the JRSCA, has died due to long-standing chronic illness.
Source: Log in to Facebook
It has not been officially confirmed, and I hope it is not true.
I will wait for official verification from the authorities.
Javan rhino Musofa, recently captured for translocation to the JRSCA, has died due to long-standing chronic illness.
Source: Log in to Facebook
It has not been officially confirmed, and I hope it is not true.
I will wait for official verification from the authorities.
Zz123
Well-Known Member
I found additional reports about Musofa’s death from another news agency.
It now appears very likely that the news is true.
This is deeply saddening. T T
What will the future of the Javan rhino be from here?
Will the program to capture and relocate individuals to the JRSCA continue after this incident?
Badak Cula Satu Mati Usai Dipindahkan dari Hutan ke Paddock di TN Ujung Kulon
TNUK Sebut Kematian 'Mustofa' Badak Jawa Akibat Kronis Bawaan
It now appears very likely that the news is true.
This is deeply saddening. T T
What will the future of the Javan rhino be from here?
Will the program to capture and relocate individuals to the JRSCA continue after this incident?
Badak Cula Satu Mati Usai Dipindahkan dari Hutan ke Paddock di TN Ujung Kulon
TNUK Sebut Kematian 'Mustofa' Badak Jawa Akibat Kronis Bawaan
captain alligator
Well-Known Member
How many Javan rhinos are there now? Honestly, I'm worried about the future of the Javan rhino.
Rizz Carlton
Well-Known Member
What odd is that, remind you, they publicly reveal Musofa and his translocation/arrival process weeks after he had arrived (Around November 22), and within those same weeks he was already dead (November 7).
Why do they even announce it so late in the first place when Musofa literally dies 2 days after he arrived?
Why do they even announce it so late in the first place when Musofa literally dies 2 days after he arrived?
Rizz Carlton
Well-Known Member
Musofa was already 45 years old and is confirmed to die from hipoproteinemia, which is the lack of protein on their blood after it was discovered that his body are filled with parasites and with the discovery of worms inside of the stomach. Musofa's body was transfered the next day on November 8 to the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (Institut Pertanian Bogor) University in Bogor to examine the body.
The University gives two recommendations to the project, which is to make sure to capture a rhino of reproductive age and to constantly check their gut health by giving them
anthelmintics (Antiparasitic drugs against worms) through an non-invasive way.
Kematian Musofa, Badak Jawa Pertama yang Ditranslokasi ke JRSCA
The University gives two recommendations to the project, which is to make sure to capture a rhino of reproductive age and to constantly check their gut health by giving them
anthelmintics (Antiparasitic drugs against worms) through an non-invasive way.
Kematian Musofa, Badak Jawa Pertama yang Ditranslokasi ke JRSCA
Zz123
Well-Known Member
I'm genuinely puzzled about Musofa’s age.
Musofa was captured for this project because he was specifically selected to be the breeding male for Desi. This wasn’t a random capture or an accidental encounter — he was the intended target of the program.
So it raises an important question:
Did the project really not know Musofa’s true age?
Or is it possible that the age data of wild Javan rhinos is far less accurate than we assumed?
Perhaps the shock of capture was the last straw for him? How do they know if he was 45 years old though? And if indeed he was, why would he have been a target animal for their capture, unless because he was so old they were trialling the process with him? He would not have been much use longterm.