Sumatran Elephant Dona’s Death Marks Loss for Way Kambas Conservation

KBRN, Bandar Lampung: A female Sumatran elephant named Dona, long considered vital to conservation efforts at Way Kambas National Park (TNWK), Lampung, has died following a prolonged health struggle.

Dona, a captive-bred elephant estimated to be 45 years old, passed away at the Elephant Response Unit (ERU) Bungur Camp, located within the Toto Projo National Park Management Resort (RPTN), part of TNWK, on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Zaidi, Head of the TNWK, confirmed the death in a statement received Monday, November 17, 2025, noting that the elephant had a history of health problems and had been under continuous veterinary supervision.

“Dona’s health issues had been monitored since early November. On November 6, routine blood tests revealed a high eosinophil count, indicating a potential parasitic infection. The medical team administered intravenous fluids and increased monitoring,” Zaidi said, as quoted by Antara.

Her condition worsened on November 13 when she began refusing food. Veterinarians at the TNWK Elephant Training Center (PLG) conducted further evaluations and applied intensive medical treatment. “Although her appetite sharply decreased, Dona was still able to move actively,” Zaidi explained.

Between November 14 and 15, however, her health showed no significant improvement. She consumed only a single banana and grew increasingly weak.

“In the early hours of November 16, Dona was still responding to movement at 3 a.m. local time, but a few hours later she appeared unable to stand,” Zaidi recounted.

The medical team, accompanied by the Head of the National Park Management Unit (SPTN) Region II Bungur, rushed to the ERU Bungur Camp. “Upon arrival at 1:20 p.m. local time, the elephant had been pronounced dead, with no breathing and a pale tongue,” Zaidi reported.

Following standard protocol, TNWK immediately reported the incident to the police. A necropsy was performed on Sunday afternoon to determine the exact cause of death.

The TNWK expressed deep sorrow over the loss, emphasizing that Dona was an integral part of elephant conservation efforts at Way Kambas.

“All medical measures had been taken since the initial symptoms were detected. TNWK reaffirms its commitment to continuously improve animal health, population monitoring, and welfare management for both captive and wild elephants within Way Kambas National Park,” Zaidi concluded. ***