Trained Elephant Diego Dies at 17 in Riau Conservation Center
- 17 Sep 2026 11:29 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Diego, a 17-year-old trained Sumatran elephant, died at the Minas Elephant Training Center in Riau on September 16.
- A necropsy indicated a likely chronic gastrointestinal infection, with laboratory tests underway to confirm the cause of death.
RRI.CO.ID, Pekanbaru - Indonesia’s conservation community is mourning the loss of Diego, a 17-year-old captive Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus), who died at the Minas Elephant Training Center (PLG Minas) in Riau on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
Diego passed away at 12:00 PM local time despite days of intensive medical intervention by veterinarians from the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA Riau).
"Diego first showed symptoms on September 10, when his health deteriorated due to diarrhea and a reduced appetite," Acting Head of BBKSDA Riau Ujang Holisudin said, as quoted by Antara.
Initial diagnostic tests revealed a parasitic infection after worms were detected in his stool. Medical staff immediately administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and deworming treatments.
While Diego temporarily responded well to treatment, regaining his appetite and showing clear laboratory results from the PPS Arsari Djodjohadikusumo Foundation, his condition drastically worsened on September 15. Handlers reported that the elephant refused food, exhibited severe, watery diarrhea, and became extremely weak, barely drinking water throughout the day.
Medical teams immediately initiated emergency care, including intravenous fluids, supportive vitamins, and anti-inflammatory medications. However, on the second day of intensive therapy, Diego suddenly collapsed during blood sampling and fluid administration, passing away shortly after.
A subsequent necropsy indicated that the cause of death was likely a chronic gastrointestinal infection. Organ samples have been sent for laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis, after which Diego was buried in accordance with established conservation protocols.
Born on September 3, 2009, to parents Vera and Reno, Diego spent his entire life at PLG Minas and was widely known for greeting visitors at the sanctuary. Expressing deep gratitude to the veterinary team, mahouts, and field staff who cared for Diego, BBKSDA Riau called on the public to support ongoing Sumatran elephant conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered species from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. ***
https://www.kehutanan.go.id/news/kabar-duka-dari-plg-minas-gajah-binaan-diego-tutup-usia-pada-umur-17-tahun
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