Sumatran Elephant Calf Born on Indonesia's Independence Day at Conservation Center

August 19, 2026 | 06:50 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry announced the birth of a critically endangered Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) calf at the Jalur 21 Elephant Conservation Center in Padang Sugihan, South Sumatra.

The birth occurred on August 17, coinciding with Indonesia's Independence Day.

Head of the South Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Daniwari Widiyanto said in a statement on Tuesday that the male calf was born to a female named Lestari and a male named Gapula.

"This birth is a profoundly meaningful gift from nature for the conservation of protected wildlife in Indonesia, especially arriving on our historic Independence Day," Widiyanto remarked.

Under the close supervision of a medical team and a mahout, the delivery was estimated to have occurred between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time (GMT+7). Shortly after birth, the calf was able to stand upright and nurse normally.

Given the scorching heat at the center's open grounds, the medical team promptly initiated specialized care.

Widiyanto said officers have set up adequate shelters, secured sufficient drinking water, and provided bathing facilities to regulate their body temperatures and maintain the stamina of both the mother and calf.

Veterinarians and mahouts are closely monitoring the pair, enriching Lestari's daily feed with essential nutrients and fruits as supplements to accelerate her physical recovery.

To ensure the calf’s optimal growth and development, the South Sumatra BKSDA has implemented a 24-hour intensive monitoring protocol.

Field teams are continuously recording the behavioral development, physical responses, and physiological conditions of both elephants in accordance with standard health procedures for captive wildlife.

"This birth serves as proof of the shared commitment between the Ministry of Forestry and the South Sumatra BKSDA to preserve the Sumatran elephant, ensuring that the species continue to breed and remains sustainably protected in their habitat," Widiyanto added.

Read: Half of Sumatran Elephant Population Lost in One Generation

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