Sumatran Elephant Ratna Dies at R Zoo & Park Due to Organ Failure

SERDANG BEDAGAI | INDATANEWS.COM ~ Ratna, a 50-year-old Sumatran elephant (Elephas maximus sumatrensis), passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, during intensive medical treatment at R Zoo & Park in Desa Bengabing, Kecamatan Pegajahan, Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

Clinical examinations, lab results, and necropsy revealed that Ratna's death was caused by kidney failure combined with liver dysfunction and other vital organ complications.

Arrival and Initial Health Condition

Ratna arrived at R Zoo & Park on September 29, 2025, along with three other elephants – Poppy (45), Uli (6), and Lia (5). Upon arrival, some of the elephants appeared underweight. Ratna, already elderly, also suffered from a long-standing fistula on her left forefoot, requiring specialized medical care.

Unlike other trained elephants, Ratna could not be fully controlled and could not be ridden by a mahout. Therefore, all medical procedures on the fistula had to be performed under anesthesia.

Medical Challenges and Treatment

During her adaptation to the new environment, zoo staff detected abdominal edema on October 30, 2025. On November 12, 2025, supportive therapy and vitamins were administered, resulting in gradual improvement.

However, on January 1, 2026, the fistula became inflamed again, followed by skin peeling on January 11, 2026. The zoo management recommended further medical interventions, carried out in collaboration with the North Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) and external veterinarians.

Although the wound showed progress, complete healing was not achieved. Laboratory tests revealed kidney dysfunction, and due to reduced appetite and water intake, additional blood tests confirmed liver dysfunction.

Cause of Organ Failure

Clinical, laboratory, and necropsy findings indicated that Ratna died from kidney and liver failure, accompanied by complications in other vital organs, including the heart and digestive system.

R Zoo & Park explained that the kidney problems were multifactorial: her advanced age, poor initial physical condition, and adaptation to the new environment stressed her organ functions. Consequently, her body could not optimally absorb nutrients, leading to gradual organ deterioration until she could no longer survive.

Zoo staff and BBKSDA North Sumatra emphasized that all treatments were conducted according to medical standards and animal welfare guidelines under the supervision of conservation authorities.

This tragic event highlights the need for enhanced health monitoring, specialized care for elderly elephants, and close collaboration in preserving the critically endangered Sumatran elephant. (IDNC)

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