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Good news emerged from the Padang Sugihan Wildlife Conservation Centre in Banyuasin, South Sumatra, where a healthy female Sumatran elephant calf was born in the early hours of Wednesday, 4 December 2025.
Details of the Birth
The calf, named Rohmah, was delivered naturally at the Padang Sugihan Elephant Conservation Centre (PKG), Jalur 21, sometime between midnight and 3 a.m. local time. She is the daughter of Mama Ronika and Papa Gapula and weighed approximately 89 kilograms at birth.
Veterinary staff reported that Rohmah stood on her own and began nursing shortly after birth, while Mama Ronika remained calm, showed normal breathing and stayed close to her newborn, guiding her to feed.
Why the Birth Matters
The event underscores Padang Sugihan’s role as a key conservation site for Sumatran elephants, a species threatened by habitat loss and human‑elephant conflict. The broader Sugihan–Simpang Heran habitat is estimated to support about 141 elephants, both wild and tame.
Increasing the captive population can bolster genetic diversity and provide a safety net, complementing efforts to protect remaining wild herds.
Possible Next Steps
Ongoing round‑the‑clock monitoring will likely track Rohmah’s growth, health metrics and behavior to ensure a stable development trajectory. Should the calf continue to thrive, the team may consider integrating her into broader breeding programs, which could help sustain the species over the long term.
Continued adjustments to Mama Ronika’s diet and the secure enclosure environment are expected to support successful lactation and recovery, further enhancing the calf’s chances of survival.
Public Response
Following the birth, veterinarians and mahouts conducted intensive health assessments, observing Rohmah’s temperature, breathing and behavior. The enclosure remains secure and comfortable, and Mama Ronika’s diet has been adjusted to aid milk production.
Merius, Head of the PKG Jalur 21 Resort, affirmed that all procedures align with established conservation and animal‑welfare standards. Social media users praised the news, with comments such as “Alhamdulillah, healthy baby” and “Welcome to the world, baby.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the calf born?
The calf was born in the early hours of Wednesday, 4 December 2025, between midnight and 3 a.m. local time.
What is the calf’s name and weight?
The newborn female has been named Rohmah and weighed about 89 kilograms at birth.
How many tame elephants are now at Padang Sugihan?
Rohmah’s arrival brings the count of tame elephants in the Padang Sugihan conservation area to 29 individuals.
How do you think this birth will influence future conservation efforts for Sumatran elephants?
