Kemenhut: Anak Gajah Sumatera Yuna Mati Diduga Diserang Virus EEHV 

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Forestry (Kemenhut) has revealed the cause of the death of a Sumatran elephant child (Elephas maximus sumatranus) named Yuna at the Elephant Training Center (PLG) Saree, Aceh.

The female elephant calf, who was under three years old, was suspected to have died from an attack by the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly virus known to attack elephant calves very quickly.

Head of the Aceh Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Ujang Wisnu Barata said Yuna had a drastic decline in health conditions before finally dying on Tuesday, August 11, at 20.48 WIB.

"Yuna's condition dropped very quickly, based on the initial diagnosis triggered by a deadly virus attack for baby elephants. Macroscopically, the symptoms are visible from the swelling of the face, red eyes, and bluish tongue mucosa, as well as microscopic changes in the form of bleeding (hemorrhagic) in the internal digestive organs. To confirm the exact cause of Yuna's departure, we have taken samples of organs for further laboratory testing," said Ujang in his statement, Friday, August 14.

BKSDA Aceh suspects that Yuna was infected with EEHV, although the exact cause of her death is still pending the results of laboratory tests on organ samples that have been taken by the medical team.

What is of concern, Yuna's condition was still monitored normally. On Tuesday morning to afternoon, Yuna was still active as usual.

The new condition was seen around 16.00 WIB when the mahout or elephant trainer found Yuna in a limp state, eyes swollen and red, face swollen, and pale tongue blue.

The BKSDA Aceh veterinary team and mahout immediately provided emergency treatment in the form of intravenous fluids and multivitamins. However, his condition continued to worsen in just a few hours.

After Yuna died, the medical team performed an autopsy to find out the cause of death before the funeral process which was completed at 00.30 WIB.

Before the incident, Yuna was under daily routine health monitoring and periodic evaluation every three months. The last examination in June 2026 showed that Yuna's body condition was in the ideal category with a Body Condition Index Score (BCIS) of 5.5.

In the two days before his death, no symptoms of illness or decline in physical condition were found.

EEHV is a herpes virus that specifically infects elephants and is a major threat to baby elephants. This virus attacks the inner layer of blood vessels so that it can cause blood and body fluid leakage into internal organs.

EEHV infection is known to trigger death in a relatively short time, even when the animal previously appeared healthy.

The Ministry of Forestry under the leadership of Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni places the protection of Sumatran elephants as an important part of efforts to maintain Indonesia's biodiversity. Monitoring health, early detection of diseases, and medical treatment of captive elephants are part of conservation measures to maintain the protected animal population.

The case of Yuna's death also made the Aceh BKSDA increase vigilance against other baby elephants in its working area.

"We immediately conduct medical tests and early detection of other young elephants under the age of 14, especially Gerry, Yuyun, and Dilan elephants, to anticipate and minimize the potential for the spread of the virus," said Ujang.

Early detection is carried out considering that EEHV can cause a rapid decline in health conditions. Examination of other elephants is expected to help officers take early medical action if signs of infection are found.

BKSDA Aceh also continues to monitor the health of the captive elephants as part of efforts to maintain the population and welfare of Sumatran elephants. Yuna's death is a reminder that disease threats remain one of the serious challenges in the conservation of this rare animal.