WCPO covers Sumatran rhino's journey to save his species

WCPO covers Sumatran rhino's journey to save his species

CINCINNATI, Nov. 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is on a mission to save the Sumatran rhino. And only one journalist was given behind-the-scenes access to share 8-year-old rhino Harapan's incredible journey.

Emily Maxwell, a photojournalist for WCPO.com, traveled along with a crew from the Zoo carrying precious cargo - a Sumatran rhino named Harapan - to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary in Indonesia in late October. Maxwell is available for interviews about her experience, and photos and video footage are available to other media outlets upon request.

In a story exclusive to WCPO Insider, along with photo galleries and video, Maxwell takes readers along for the emotional and courageous adventure of Harapan (also known as Harry). The Zoo transferred the 1,800-pound Sumatran rhino from its breeding program to the sanctuary in hopes of expanding the dwindling population. There are fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos left in the world.

The Cincinnati Zoo had success breeding the Sumatran rhinos, producing three calves, including Harapan, between 2007-2011. The Zoo's program started in 1984 and ended with Harapan's departure.

Emily traveled with a crew of doctors and zookeepers 10,000 miles over 42 hours to deliver Harapan to the sanctuary, where they hope he will successfully breed with a female named Rosa. If he doesn't, it could mean the end of the species.

"The story of Harapan and the zookeepers is one of passion and hope, and WCPO was honored to be at the forefront in sharing this important moment," said Mike Canan, editor-in-chief of WCPO.com. "From images to words to video, Emily captured what it was like to be along for the journey, and we think our readers will connect with this very human tale."

The story, "From Cincinnati to Sumatra: Taking a rhino across the world in a cargo plane," is now available on WCPO.com and will air in part on WCPO's television broadcast today. It contains both heartwarming and humorous moments, including:


-- What it's like to fly around the world with a rhino on board a cargo
plane

-- How the Rhino Protection Unit, a group of men with machine guns who
patrol the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, keep rhinos safe from poachers

-- How the crew said their final goodbyes to Harapan. Don't think a rhino
can be cuddly and sweet? Just watch him saying farewell to one of the
zookeepers
WCPO Insider delivers exclusive stories, in-depth coverage of Cincinnati, handpicked events and valuable rewards for its members. To learn more, visit wcpo.com/insider.

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The E.W. Scripps Company serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, radio and digital media brands. Scripps is one of the nation's largest independent TV station owners, with 33 television stations in 24 markets and a reach of nearly one in five U.S. households. It also owns 34 radio stations in eight markets. Scripps also runs an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses, including podcast industry leader Midroll Media, over-the-top video news service Newsy and weather app developer WeatherSphere. Scripps also produces television shows including The List and The Now, runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serves as the long-time steward of the nation's largest, most successful and longest-running educational program, the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, "Give light and the people will find their own way."

SOURCE The E.W. Scripps Company

The E.W. Scripps Company

CONTACT: Media contacts: Kari Wethington, The E.W. Scripps Company, 513-977-3073, kari.wethington@scripps.com

Web Site: http://www.scripps.com


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