A baby elephant at Tesso Nilo National Park (TN) in Riau, Kalistha Lestari, or Tari, was found dead on Sep. 10, 2025, with a slightly bloated abdomen. No signs of illness were observed the day before, nor were there wounds or trauma during the initial investigation. Further examinations by a veterinary team were conducted to determine the cause of death.
Professor Raden Wisnu Nurcahyo, a lecturer at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKH UGM), expressed concern over this recurring tragedy, which has almost annually affected young elephants in Sumatra.
As a species listed under Appendix I (critically endangered wildlife), he emphasized that the government and stakeholders must remain vigilant and provide protection against any threats to these animals.
“Although there are many other endangered animals, we must prioritize those at the highest risk. Preventive measures must be taken to ensure this does not continue,” Professor Nurcahyo said on Monday (Sep. 13).
According to Professor Nurcahyo, the causes of elephant mortality vary widely, most often stemming from environmental or habitat factors. These include threats such as illegal logging, forest fires, or land conversion for development. Human-elephant conflict is the most frequent issue affecting Sumatran elephants.
“Elephants are instinctive creatures with established migration routes. If their paths are suddenly blocked, they will react aggressively,” Professor Nurcahyo explained.
Other causes may arise from internal factors, such as diseases caused by parasites, bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Considering Tari’s sudden death despite appearing healthy beforehand, Professor Nurcahyo suspects a viral disease, as viruses typically progress rapidly and result in acute mortality.
“I suspect this was caused by Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), which specifically attacks young elephants,” he noted.
Given the speed of transmission, Professor Nurcahyo suggested that the virus may have originated from wild elephants that came into contact with those in captivity, or through other carriers such as flies.
“Essentially, this condition leads to edema. The virus attacks blood vessels, causing hemorrhaging. Internal organs then swell, and fluid may accumulate in the abdomen, leading to enlargement,” Professor Nurcahyo explained.
Preventive steps to avoid similar cases, according to Professor Nurcahyo, include routine health monitoring of baby elephants through regular blood tests. If test results indicate possible viral infection or other illnesses, treatment such as vitamins, medications, and mineral supplements should be administered.
In addition, veterinarians specializing in elephant health should undergo refresher training. He also emphasized the need for increased government attention to elephants in national parks.
“I believe we, as a society, must care about wildlife conservation. If not us, then who will care for Indonesia’s endemic species?” he urged.
Author: Alena
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photograph: Tesso Nilo National Park