KBRN, Jakarta: The birth of a baby Sumatran elephant at Way Kambas National Park has brought encouraging news for conservation efforts and renewed optimism for the sustainability of the species’ population in the Sumatra conservation area.

The park recorded the birth on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, at 11:25 p.m. local time. The female calf was born to a 12-year-old elephant named Yulia, marking her first delivery.

Head of Way Kambas National Park Authority, MDH Zaidi, confirmed that both the mother and calf are in good condition. “Alhamdulillah, both mother and calf are healthy,” Zaidi said on Saturday, December 6, 2025, adding that the newborn was able to stand and walk independently by 2:05 a.m.

Zaidi noted that the calf has remained active and has begun learning to nurse from its mother. Based on measurements of height and body circumference, the calf’s weight is estimated at 64 kilograms.

The birth of Yulia’s first calf is seen as a positive milestone for the preservation of Sumatran elephants and strengthens hopes for the long-term survival of the species in Way Kambas.

The Ministry of Forestry welcomed the report, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening conservation of the Sumatran elephant, a species regarded as a national treasure. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)