BKSDA: A domesticated elephant dies in Riau due to digestive disorders
Based on the results of the necropsy, the cause of death is suspected to be a chronic gastrointestinal infection.
Pekanbaru, (ANTARA) - A 17-year-old domesticated Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus) named Diego has died at the Minas Elephant Training Centre (PLG) in Siak Regency, Riau Province, due to digestive tract disorders on Wednesday (16/9) afternoon, following several days of intensive care.
The Acting Head of the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKS/BKSDA Riau), Ujang Holisudin, explained that symptoms of illness first became apparent on 10 September 2026. Diego experienced a decline in health, characterised by diarrhoea and a loss of appetite.
“The BBKSDA Riau medical team immediately conducted an examination, and the initial diagnosis indicated the elephant was suffering from a worm infestation, as several worms were found in the faeces,” he said in Pekanbaru on Thursday.
Subsequently, the team administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anthelmintics (deworming medication). After several days of intensive treatment, Diego’s appetite began to improve and his stool returned to a normal consistency, with treatment continuing as his condition improved.
“Clinical symptoms included a total loss of appetite, frequent watery diarrhoea, and extreme physical weakness. Water intake was minimal, with only five sips in the morning, three sips during afternoon medication, and one sip during the evening bath,” he revealed.
The BBKSDA Riau medical team proceeded with treatment involving intravenous fluids, supportive medication (vitamins), and anti-inflammatory drugs. Fecal samples were also collected for parasite testing.
“Based on the results of the necropsy, the cause of death is suspected to be a chronic gastrointestinal infection. Once the entire examination process was completed, Diego was buried according to the applicable procedures,” he stated.
Diego was a 17-year-old male domesticated elephant, born on 3 September 2009, and was raised at the Minas Elephant Training Centre by his mother, Vera, and father, Reno. Diego was one of the trained elephants used to welcome visitors to the Minas Training Centre.