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

Diego's condition worsens again

Diego's health condition declined again on Tuesday, September 15 2026. The mahout or handler who cared for him reported that Diego did not want to eat, experienced diarrhea with high frequency, and looked very weak.

Diego's water intake has also decreased drastically. In the morning, he only drank about five sips. This amount is reduced to three sips when medication is given during the day and one sip when bathed in the afternoon.

The BBKSDA Riau medical team again provided treatment in the form of IV fluids, vitamins, supportive medicines and anti-inflammatories. Stool samples were also taken to undergo parasite examination.

Treatment continued on Wednesday, September 16 2026. When the medical team was about to take blood samples and administer IV drips and medicines, Diego suddenly sat down and collapsed.

Not long after, his vital signs disappeared. The medical team declared Diego dead at around 12.00 WIB.

Suspected of Having a Chronic Gastrointestinal Infection

Necropsy results showed that Diego's death was thought to be caused by a chronic digestive tract infection. However, the medical team still took a number of organ samples to be examined in the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis.

After the entire examination process was completed, Diego's body was buried according to applicable animal handling procedures.