BALINEWSID.COM, RIAU — A Sumatran elephant named Lisa, 45, has given birth to a healthy male calf at Tesso Nilo National Park in Riau Province, marking another milestone in efforts to conserve the critically threatened Sumatran elephant population.

Lisa gave birth at the Elephant Flying Squad (EFS) Camp in Lubuk Kembang Bunga Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency, at around 7 p.m. local time on Monday (Sept. 28, 2026).

The birth was Lisa’s sixth and is considered significant for efforts to support the survival of the Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatranus).

According to the Tesso Nilo National Park authorities, the calf was born from Lisa’s mating with a wild elephant, indicating reproductive interaction between a managed elephant and wild elephant populations in the national park.

A team consisting of elephant handlers, veterinarians and animal-care staff had closely monitored Lisa since Sunday after observing several signs that she was approaching labor, including swelling and hardening of her mammary glands and increased restlessness.

Lisa’s movements slowed on Monday morning, prompting the team to maintain close monitoring as signs of labor became more pronounced.

The birth proceeded naturally, with Lisa successfully delivering the male calf without assistance.

Just 20 minutes after birth, at around 7:20 p.m., the newborn was already able to stand upright and support its own body, indicating good physical strength and reflexes.

Initial medical examinations and biometric measurements showed that the calf was in healthy condition. The newborn measured 96 centimeters in height and 101 centimeters in body length, with a chest circumference of 125 centimeters. Its body temperature was recorded at 36 degrees Celsius and its weight was estimated at approximately 129 kilograms.

The veterinary team and elephant handlers are now conducting 24-hour monitoring of both mother and calf, particularly to ensure adequate intake of breast milk and to monitor their physical condition.

The Tesso Nilo National Park authorities expressed appreciation to the field teams, elephant handlers and veterinary personnel who remained on standby throughout the birth.

The successful birth is expected to provide a positive boost to Sumatran elephant conservation efforts and highlight the importance of protecting the species’ habitat and ensuring the long-term survival of wild elephant populations in Indonesia.