Reasons Behind Relocation of Two Gembira Loka Elephants to Tabang Zoo, East Kalimantan
Two Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) from Gembira Loka (GL) Zoo in Yogyakarta have been relocated to Tabang Zoo in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan. The male elephant, Deo, and the female, Sinta, were moved using a multi-modal method, with the translocation process beginning on 14 August 2026 under strict supervision from a joint team.
GL Zoo Marketing Manager Yosi Hermawan stated that the translocation of Deo and Sinta from Gembira Loka Zoo to Tabang Zoo had undergone a process of planning, coordination, and approval from authorised institutions, including the Ministry of Forestry. “This process is part of wildlife population management and inter-agency conservation cooperation, taking into account the needs and welfare of each individual animal,” Yosi said when contacted by journalists on Monday (17/8/2026).
“The selection of Tabang Zoo as the destination was also based on various considerations, including management capability, facility readiness, resources, and commitment to meeting the needs and welfare of the animals,” he added.
Yosi explained that before being moved, Deo and Sinta had undergone various preparation stages, including health checks, travel readiness, and provision of feed and water. Teams from various fields were also involved to ensure the condition of both elephants remained monitored throughout the journey.
“The travel route along with stopping points and inspections had been prepared in advance to support monitoring of the elephants’ condition, provision of feed and water, vehicle cleaning, and rest periods to minimise potential stress during the journey,” he explained.
However, Yosi did not provide detailed technical information about the translocation of Deo and Sinta, as the authority for the translocation lies with the Ministry of Forestry. “For further information regarding licensing aspects, conservation processes, and the implementation of the translocation, the media and the public may contact the Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia as the authorised party,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) issued an official release regarding the translocation of Deo and Sinta through the kehutanan.go.id website with number SP. 416/HKLN/08/2026 on Sunday, 16 August 2026. In its official statement, Kemenhut stated that this translocation is an effort to manage population arrangements focusing on providing space for movement, care standards, and ensuring the safety and welfare of the animals throughout the journey.
Deo and Sinta are protected animals that have been under the care of the Yogyakarta BKSDA since September 2024 at GL Zoo. The translocation of the two elephants to Tabang Zoo is a permanent move to adjust the capacity and facilities most ideal for Deo and Sinta.
“The relocation plan, prepared since 2025, designated Tabang Zoo in Kutai Kartanegara as the new placement location after a series of verifications and technical feasibility assessments from the East Kalimantan BKSDA,” Kemenhut explained on its official website.
Medical teams and elephant experts thoroughly tested the physical health and behaviour of Deo and Sinta. Departure was only permitted after all laboratory test results confirmed that both elephants were in prime condition and ready for the long-distance journey.
“The translocation process began on 14 August 2026 under strict supervision from a joint team. A total of 17 personnel were deployed to accompany the journey, including Forestry Police from Yogyakarta BKSDA, East Kalimantan BKSDA personnel, mahout teams (elephant handlers), veterinarians, and senior elephant handling experts,” Kemenhut stated.
“The multi-modal travel route stretches from Yogyakarta to Paciran Port (Lamongan, East Java), followed by a sea crossing to Bahaur Port (Central Kalimantan) using KMP Drajat Paciran, before continuing the land journey to East Kalimantan,” it added.
During the long journey, officers routinely cleaned the fleet and sprayed water to stabilise the body temperature of both elephants. Kemenhut confirmed that on Sunday (16/8), the group had arrived at Bahaur Port, Pulang Pisau, Central Kalimantan.
“The team also took a rest break in the Gandang area, Pulang Pisau, to let the animals disembark briefly for stretching, reducing fatigue, and keeping stress levels under control. Monitoring showed Deo and Sinta were calm, healthy, and consuming feed and water well under the control of the mahouts,” Kemenhut explained.
Deo and Sinta were expected to arrive at Tabang Zoo on Monday (17/8). Subsequently, the two elephants will have their health monitored and undergo environmental adaptation processes.