JAKARTA, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- A critically endangered Sumatran elephant calf has been born at an elephant conservation center in Indonesia's South Sumatra province, a local conservation official said Tuesday.
Daniwari Widiyanto, head of the South Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency, said the male calf was born on Monday to its mother, Lestari, and father, Gapula.
Under the care of veterinarians and a mahout, the calf was able to stand and nurse normally shortly after birth, Daniwari said.
Amid hot weather during the dry season, staff have provided shelter, drinking water and bathing facilities to help the mother and calf regulate their body temperatures. Additional fruit has also been provided to support Lestari's recovery.
Authorities are closely monitoring the health, development and behavior of the calf and its mother in accordance with animal care procedures at the conservation center. ■