71 Indonesia's Wildlife Ecosystem Improves, Sumatran Elephant Baby Born in Lampung

RRI.CO.ID, Lampung — The Lembah Hijau Zoo in Lampung has achieved another success in wildlife conservation efforts with the birth of a female Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) calf on June 5, 2026. The calf weighed 123 kilograms and was the second birth to the pair of male Aris (29 years old) and female Mega (27 years old).

According to a statement received by RRI VOI from the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, the President Commissioner of Lembah Hijau Zoo, Irwan Nasution, stated that this success is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting ex-situ conservation programs and increasing the Sumatran elephant population. "We will continue to improve the quality of our management, care, and breeding programs as a tangible contribution to Indonesia's endangered species conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of the Sumatran elephant population for future generations," said Irwan Nasution.

Meanwhile, Agung Nugroho, Head of the Bengkulu Natural Resources Conservation Agency, expressed his appreciation for the success and consistency of the Lembah Hijau Zoo in implementing its Sumatran elephant conservation and breeding program. "This success demonstrates that synergy between conservation institutions, professionals, and wildlife managers can make a positive contribution to Sumatran elephant conservation efforts in Indonesia," said Agung Nugroho.

The Minister of Forestry, Raja Juli Antoni, emphasized that efforts to save Sumatran elephants are not only carried out through protecting natural habitats and managing human-elephant conflicts in the area (in situ). He explained that these efforts are also strengthened through the development of (ex situ) conservation programs at various conservation institutions that meet wildlife management standards.

As a token of appreciation for the successful birth of the Sumatran elephant calf at the Lembah Hijau Conservation Institute, the Minister of Forestry named the calf "Rut." "We named Rut as a symbol of friendship and appreciation to the Norwegian Government, especially Mrs. Rut Krüger Giverin, who has demonstrated commitment and real contributions in supporting the forest and environmental conservation agenda in Indonesia," said Raja Juli Antoni.

Furthermore, the Minister of Forestry, explained that the successful birth of an elephant calf in a conservation institution demonstrates that ex situ conservation can make a significant contribution to supporting the preservation of species facing various pressures in the wild. The Ministry of Forestry encourages every conservation institution to continuously improve the quality of animal management, animal welfare, and the success of planned and sustainable breeding programs.

This second successful birth represents a significant milestone in the conservation program implemented by Lembah Hijau Zoo and strengthens hopes for an increase in the Sumatran elephant population, both under the management of conservation institutions and in their natural habitat. This momentum demonstrates that synergy between the government, conservation institutions, professionals, academics, the business world, and the community can make a real contribution to maintaining the sustainability of one of Indonesia's key protected species.