"Ratu," who belongs to species of critically endangered Sumatran rhino gave birth to a female calf at a sanctuary in Indonesia on Thursday, making conservationists weep in joy.

The actual birth which lasted for two hours was captured on video and a part of it was uploaded by AFP. According to reports, the calf, which is yet to be named was born at 5:40 a.m.


News Discovery noted that this is the second time Ratu has given birth to healthy calf; the first one was four years ago.

"Her previous birth four years ago marked the first time a Sumatran rhino had been born in an Asian breeding facility for more than 140 years," the article said.

Conservationists hope that the birth will save the species in the verge of total extinction.

"We are very thankful for this birth, as Sumatran rhinos are rare animals," environment ministry spokesman Novrizal Tahar told AFP.

Sumatran rhinos, the smallest of all rhinos and the only Asian rhino with two horns, are targeted by poachers as their body parts are sold in black market for high prices. Just last year, they were declared extinct in Malaysia. Rhinos.org said fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos exist in island of Sumatra.

The article also noted that an average lifespan of Sumatran rhinos is between 35-40 years and mother rhinos only give birth to one calf every three to four years. Their pregnancy last about 16 months.

According to Times of India, it will be at least six or seven years before the newborn is ready to produce offspring. For now the unnamed calf will remain in the sanctuary under 24-hour observation while conservationists hope the Ratu, who is now 14-years-old can give birth to more calf to continue the lineage of the critically endangered species.