Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. A Sumatran elephant calf has been found dead within the Lancang Kuning Resort area of Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau. 

"The medical team is conducting a thorough investigation to scientifically confirm the cause of death," the Tesso Nilo National Park Office said in a written statement on Friday (27/2/2026), as reported by antaranews.com.

Park officials discovered the carcass on Thursday in an advanced state of decay, estimating the animal had been deceased for a week. Initial examinations suggest the calf died from a severe leg infection likely caused by an illegal snare trap set by poachers.

Riau Regional Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan directly visited the site alongside conservation officials to oversee the necropsy process. 

He said that authorities are treating the incident seriously and will launch a criminal investigation if foul play or illegal trapping is confirmed. 

(mg/inp/pr/rs)