Sumatran elephant calf born at PKG Jalur 21, South Sumatra, on Aug. 17
The female calf, born to Lestari and Gapula, is under 7x24 hour monitoring as hot weather at the site raises health concerns.
A Sumatran elephant calf was born at the PKG Jalur 21 Elephant Conservation Center in Padang Sugihan, South Sumatra, on Aug. 17, 2026. The birth at the conservation center was estimated to have taken place between 06.00 and 10.00 WIB. South Sumatra BKSDA chief Daniwari Widiyanto said the female calf was born to the mother Lestari and the male Gapula. Soon after birth, the calf was able to stand and nurse normally. Because the weather in the open conservation area is very hot, the medical team and mahout Sugito quickly prepared shade, drinking water and bathing facilities for the mother and calf. BKSDA Sumsel also tightened monitoring for 7x24 hours while adding feed nutrients and fruit supplements to help Lestari recover.