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.

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.

Diego is a male Sumatran elephant who was born on September 3 2009 to a female mother named Vera and a male parent named Reno. He grew up and was raised in PLG Minas.

During his time at the training center, Diego was known as one of the elephants who often welcomed visitors.

BBKSDA Riau expressed its appreciation to the veterinarians, veterinary paramedics, mahouts and field officers who have worked during Diego's treatment process.

The public is also invited to increase awareness of the conservation of Sumatran elephants, which are still facing the threat of habitat destruction and conflict with humans. Conservation efforts are considered to require collaboration from various parties to protect habitat and support elephant protection and rescue programs in Indonesia.