RSS
Sumatran rhinos in Love?
THE STORY BEHIND THIS CLIP:
We have been shooting for a few days and as we trek to the area where the rhino’s were, to film them again, I am thinking, “Oh No, not another gruelling day in this hot and steamy rainforest! I wish I could just lie one of those mud wallows to escape this infernal heat!” But today will prove to deliver one of the most extraordinary and thrilling moments of my life!
As we arrive, two of the rhinos, a male and a female, are mingling together at the nearby feeding place. In view of their previous aggressive behavior during breeding, Dr Zainal knows that having them together like this, could turn out to be a very dangerous situation for the smaller female, so the first aid kit is never far away. But this will not prove to be a problem today.
Suddenly, the two rhinos turn and disappear into the rainforest, Sharif quickly and confidently marches after them with his clipboard, leading the way for our small crew. I follow behind with far less boldness, having yesterday witnessed this same male rhino charging right past me; down an incline; through the sharp, thorny undergrowth like a horse at full gallop - but having considerable more momentum - with two sharp horns right out in front! The incident had me literally quaking in my boots!
But I tell myself, “that was yesterday, I had been separated and was alone. Now this is today and the rhinos have at least 5 other targets in our team from which to choose” 
I also remind myself we have an important documentary to shoot, so onward and upward we go!
Shortly, we arrive at a clearing, like a velvety green cathedral with pools of soft light pouring in from above. The the rhinos stop here and take up positions on either side of a huge log. They start calling to each other in plaintive tones that make them sound so vulnerable, so whistful, it touches you deep within your soul!
Next, I can’t believe my eyes… and neither can the researchers. Although I don’t fully understand that we are now privy to a scene never before witnessed or recorded, I DO realize we needed to roll the camera and get this on tape! So with every word whispered, Adam, our cameraman, jumps into action like lightning. He does an awsome job! I am mesmerized as he and I edge our way closer and closer, balancing ourselves on top of the very log that separates the rhinos until we are just feet away! (I think we just used one shot of that footage) However, soon we move back behind another big log to allow them to interact more naturally.
HOW YOU CAN HELP TODAY!
If you want to help save this dying breed, spread the word about Sumatran Rhinos and their plight. You can also assist by helping us reach more people with the important message contained in this video
Simply, goto our home page and follow the instructions!
Every little bit, will help us get the word out there - Thanks!
