Elephant Diego Dies at PLG Minas, Allegedly Due to Chronic Gastrointestinal Infection

PEKANBARU, GARISBUMI.com – Sad news comes from the world of Indonesian conservation. Diego, a Sumatran elephant assisted by the Minas Elephant Training Center (PLG), Siak Regency, Riau, died at the age of 17 after undergoing intensive medical treatment.

The male elephant was declared dead on Wednesday, September 16 2026, at around 12.00 WIB. Based on the necropsy results, Diego was suspected of having a chronic digestive tract infection.

Daily Executive Head of the Riau Natural Resources Conservation Center (BBKSDA), Ujang Holisudin, explained that symptoms of health problems began to appear on September 10 2026. At that time, Diego experienced diarrhea and decreased appetite.

The BBKSDA Riau veterinary team immediately carried out an examination. The initial diagnosis pointed to a worm infection after several worms were found in Diego's feces.

The medical team then gave antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and worm medicine. After undergoing treatment for several days, Diego's condition showed positive progress. His appetite increased and his stool condition began to improve.

Examination of fecal samples was also carried out at the Arsari Djojohadikusumo Foundation Animal Rescue Center laboratory in Pekanbaru. The examination results showed that the sample was negative for worms.