Female Elephant Calf Born at Tesso Nilo National Park

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Forestry has announced the successful birth of a female Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) at Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Riau, marking a significant victory for the conservation of the critically endangered species.

The newborn was discovered at approximately 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday by mahouts (elephant handlers) in a forested area near the Sumatran Elephant Conservation Resort (KGS) in Pelalawan Regency. Based on field observations, experts believe the calf was born during the early pre-dawn hours around 4.00 a.m.

"Based on field indications, the baby elephant is estimated to have been born at dawn around 4.00 a.m. local time," said Head of the Tesso Nilo National Park Agency, Heru Sutmantoro, in an official statement from Jakarta on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Following a comprehensive physical and medical examination, a team of veterinarians declared the female calf to be in excellent health. She is reported to be active, free of physical defects, and already nursing normally from her mother, an elephant named Ria. This birth marks the fifth calf born to Ria within the park’s specialized conservation program.

The arrival of the new calf highlights a successful trend at the Tesso Nilo Elephant Flying Squad. Over the last eight years, the unit has recorded four births from two captive female elephants, Lisa and Ria.

"This series of births is clear evidence and reinforces the fact that the Tesso Nilo National Park forest area is an important habitat that contributes significantly to efforts to increase the Sumatran elephant population," Heru noted.

Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni also shared the news via his official social media channels, expressing optimism for the species' future. He affectionately referred to the newborn as the younger sibling of Domang, another elephant born previously in the park.

"Praise be to God, there is joyful and surprising news from Tesso Nilo National Park. Mama Ria has given birth to a female Sumatran baby elephant in healthy condition. The presence of Domang's younger sister adds hope for the future of Sumatran elephants in the wild," the Minister stated.

Both the mother and her calf remain under intensive 24-hour monitoring by mahouts and medical staff to ensure their continued well-being as they bond in their natural habitat. ***