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Standing with the Rarest: Our Journey into the Secret World of the 'Forest Ghost' and the Dedicated Team Fighting for Its Future
True stewardship requires going where the need is greatest. In December 2025, Rhinory founders Craig Stevens and Chesney Castleberry traveled to the frontlines of the most urgent rhino conservation crisis on Earth: the survival of the Sumatran Rhino. With fewer than 80 individuals remaining in the wild, these “living fossils” are the most critically endangered of all rhino species.
During their visit, Craig and Chesney spent time at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary (SRS) in Way Kambas National Park, a facility supported by our partners at the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). This sanctuary is the only place in the world where reproductively viable Sumatran rhinos live in a semi-wild, protected environment.
Behind-the-Scenes Stewardship: They met with the dedicated Indonesian veterinarians and keepers who provide 24/7 care for resident rhinos like Harapan and Delilah, whose recent births have provided a “ray of hope” for the species.
Habitat Restoration: The founders witnessed the vital reforestation work occurring in the park, where degraded land is being replanted with native “rhino food” to create a sustainable future for the population.
The Breeding Initiative: They gained first-hand insight into the complex breeding programs that we are now modeling for our own future White Rhino Breeding Barn and Black Rhino Sanctuary in Texas.
“Seeing the resilience of these rhinos and the tireless work of the IRF team in Indonesia reaffirmed why we do what we do. Our work in the Texas Hill Country isn’t just about local care—it’s a direct link to ensuring the Sumatran rhino doesn’t vanish from the Earth.”
