December 7, 2025 | 10:28 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A female Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) was born in Way Kambas National Park (TNWK), Lampung, Indonesia, on Wednesday night, December 4, 2025, at 11:25 PM. The baby elephant is the first child of Yulia, a 12-year-old elephant.
The head of TNWK, M.D.H. Zaidi, stated that both the mother and the baby elephant are in stable condition. He said, "Alhamdulillah (Praise the God), the condition of the baby and its mother is healthy. The baby elephant was able to stand and walk by itself at 02:05," as quoted from his report to the Minister of Forestry, as stated in the ministry's press release dated December 5, 2025.
According to Zaidi, until the morning after the birth, the baby elephant appeared active and started trying to suckle. "Based on height and body measurements, its weight is estimated at 64 kilograms," he added.
TNWK stated that this birth brings new hope for the conservation of Sumatran elephants. The birth of Yulia's first child adds hope for an increase in the elephant population in the region. The Ministry of Forestry also expressed appreciation and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the conservation of these animals.
The birth of a Sumatran elephant in Way Kambas National Park, December 4, 2025. Document of the Ministry of Forestry
"Her first cry echoes the footsteps of the SelebJah Way Kambas - the gallant Yongki, the gentle Nisa, and the charming Jeremy. Now, a new generation has emerged to continue their story," TNWK posted on its Instagram account on Saturday.
The birth of the baby elephant brings joy after the previous sorrow following the death of two elephants in the same national park. As announced on the same account on November 20, they were the parents, Suli and Dona.
Suli left behind a Sumatran baby elephant named Yongki. "We promise to take care of Yongki with love, just as Suli did for her children," TNWK's statement said at that time.
In November, a baby elephant named Nurlaila also died at the Elephant Training Center (PLG) Sebanga, Bengkalis Regency, Riau. Referring to the Riau BBKSDA website, Laila was born on April 6, 2024, weighing approximately 75 kilograms, with a height of 75 centimeters, chest circumference and length of 97 centimeters. However, the baby elephant's condition deteriorated since November 20 until it couldn't be saved and passed away in the early hours of November 22.
Read: Sumatran Elephant Found Dead in Flood-Stricken Aceh Village
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