Samarinda, E Kalimantan (ANTARA) – Deo and Sinta, two protected Asian elephants, are in good health after being relocated from Gembira Loka Zoo in Yogyakarta to Tabang Zoo in East Kalimantan’s Kutai Kartanegara District.
East Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Chief M. Ari Wibawanto said both elephants were moved to a dedicated facility after medical examinations confirmed they were in excellent condition.
The two elephants arrived safely at the Tabang Zoo conservation facility on the evening of August 18, Ari said on Wednesday.
The pair now occupies a newly built 1.1-hectare paddock designed specifically to meet their welfare needs.
“The conservation facility was recommended by elephant experts to meet strict animal-welfare standards,” Ari noted.
The enclosure features a main shelter, an open grazing area, a restraint pen, and a feed storage unit.
Deo, 30, and Sinta, 40, were previously housed temporarily at Gembira Loka Zoo while experts studied their behavior and health profiles.
“The relocation was necessary because the previous facility had exceeded capacity, which could have limited the elephants’ breeding opportunities,” Ari explained.
The BKSDA is closely supervising the initial quarantine period to minimize post-travel stress.
“We have three veterinarians and more than a dozen specialized keepers monitoring their daily adaptation around the clock,” Ari said, noting that the team includes keepers from both Gembira Loka Zoo and Tabang Zoo.
Under national regulations, the zoo operator must submit annual health and welfare reports on the protected animals to government authorities.
“The government will continue monitoring them and act quickly if there are any signs of declining health,” Ari added.
Translator: Ahmad R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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