Enviro News Asia, Riau — A Sumatran elephant named Lisa has given birth to a healthy male calf at Tesso Nilo National Park in Riau, marking another development in efforts to support the conservation of the endangered Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus).
Lisa, a 45-year-old captive elephant, delivered the calf on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Elephant Flying Squad (EFS) Camp in Lubuk Kembang Bunga, Pelalawan Regency. The birth marked Lisa’s sixth delivery and involved a wild elephant, indicating reproductive interaction between a managed elephant and wild elephant populations in the national park.
A joint team of mahouts, veterinarians and animal-care staff began intensive monitoring on Sunday, September 27, after observing signs that Lisa was approaching labor. These included hardening of the mammary glands and increased restlessness compared with her normal behavior.
Lisa’s movements became slower on Monday morning, prompting the team to maintain close observation throughout the day. Labor progressed toward its final stage in the afternoon before the calf was born at around 7 p.m. local time.
Lisa delivered the male calf independently, and both mother and newborn survived the process safely. About 20 minutes after birth, the calf was already able to stand upright and support its own body, showing good physical strength and reflexes.
An initial medical examination and morphometric assessment found the newborn in healthy condition. The calf measured 96 centimeters in height, 101 centimeters in body length and 125 centimeters in chest circumference. Its body temperature was recorded at 36 degrees Celsius, with an estimated weight of 129 kilograms.
Veterinarians and mahouts are continuing 24-hour monitoring to ensure the calf receives sufficient early nutrition from its mother’s milk and to maintain the health and safety of both animals.
The Tesso Nilo National Park authority expressed appreciation to the field teams, mahouts and medical personnel involved in monitoring Lisa throughout the birth.
The birth is expected to support ongoing efforts to conserve the Sumatran elephant while raising public awareness of the importance of protecting elephant habitat and maintaining wild populations. (*)
