A young female Sumatran elephant named Yuna died on Tuesday (11 August) at the Saree Elephant Training Centre in Aceh, a day before World Elephant Day is observed. Yuna was under three years old when she died.
Ujang Wisnu Barata, Head of the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA), explained that Yuna is suspected to have died from an attack of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly virus particularly susceptible to striking elephants under 14 years of age. The virus can damage the inner layer of blood vessels and cause blood and body fluid leakage into internal organs, which can trigger fatal shock and sudden death within 24-48 hours, with a mortality rate reaching 80 per cent.
In the morning and afternoon of 11 August, Yuna was still actively going about her normal activities. However, at 16.00 WIB, an elephant handler found Yuna in a weak condition with her face, eyes and tongue swollen, and her tongue pale and bluish. The veterinary team provided emergency medical treatment consisting of intravenous fluids and multivitamins, but the young elephant's condition continued to deteriorate until she died at 20.48 WIB.
Yuna's death is the second Sumatran elephant death this month. The previous week, a male Sumatran elephant was found dead in a palm plantation area belonging to PT MPLI in Kaloy Village, Aceh Tamiang. The elephant is suspected to have died from poisoning. According to initial examination, the elephant had been dead for approximately three days before it was discovered on Sunday (9 August).
Ujang said that to detect the virus early, BKSDA Aceh will tighten monitoring and conduct special medical tests, particularly for elephants Gerry, Yuyun, and Dilan. World Elephant Day, observed annually on 12 August since 2012, aims to raise global awareness of elephant conservation, as they are classified as a critically endangered species due to poaching, habitat loss, and illegal trade.