Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park, Switzerland – A 40-year-old elephant cow named Indi gave birth to a male calf on Monday, 1 June 2026, but the newborn was later euthanized after failing to stand or support its hind legs.

The birth of Indi’s fifth calf took place at 12:25 in the indoor area of the Kaeng Krachan Elephant Park and proceeded without complications.

Shortly after birth, the calf was unable to stand on its own, despite repeated attempts, as it could not properly bear weight on its hind legs.

Under normal conditions, elephant calves are expected to stand within minutes of being born, but in this case the newborn remained on the ground.

The calf is the offspring of Indi and a 21-year-old bull named Thai. According to officials, the situation did not improve in the hours following birth.

Veterinary staff and animal keepers carried out intensive efforts to assist the calf, including separating it temporarily from its mother and administering fluids through infusions.

Indi was also given medication to allow safe separation so that further medical assessment could be performed.

No visible injuries were found during examination, but the calf still could not use its hind legs adequately or walk.

Throughout the night, the animal remained under continuous veterinary monitoring but still did not manage to stand.

After a full reassessment, the care team decided on euthanasia, stating there was no realistic chance of a complication-free and viable development.

Following the procedure, Indi was given time to say goodbye to her calf.

Asian elephants naturally live in matriarchal family groups led by the oldest female, with strong bonds between individuals such as Indi and her daughter Chandra.

The park currently holds two separate elephant herds, and since 2014 there have been eight births, four of which were successful.

Other births have ended in death due to injuries or developmental problems, including cases in previous years and in 2026.

The Asian elephant is classified as endangered, with an estimated global population of around 50,000 individuals in the wild, and conservation programs continue to support both wild protection and captive breeding efforts.

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