Elephant gives birth to 'Mega'

SURABAYA, East Java: The Indonesia Safari Park in Prigen, in Pasuruan district of East Java, had a new addition as a 75- kilogram, 61-centimeter tall Sumatran elephant, which was named Mega, was born on Monday night, Antara reported.

Park spokeswoman Vita Nugroho said the elephant's parents were named Umri and Sidarta, both from the Way Kambas elephant preservation area in Lampung.

Umri carried Mega for 23 months. "We're very glad with this birth as Sumatran elephants are one of the rarest species in Asia," Vita said.

Mega will stay under intensive care for one month before being released in the park. In 1998 a male elephant, Krismon, was born in the park.(edt)