Critically endangered Sumatran elephant dies in Indonesian zoo, sparking anger from politicians

A critically endangered Sumatran elephant has become the latest animal to die in one of Indonesia's ill-maintained zoos, an official said, sparking anger from activists and politicians.

The 34-year-old female elephant, called Yani, died in the city of Bandung on the island of Java island on Wednesday after falling ill a week earlier.

Many of the country's zoos are in poor condition and house animals in filthy, cramped enclosures.

The most notorious, in the city of Surabaya, has been dubbed the "death zoo" as hundreds of animals have perished there.

Bandung zoo said the cause of Yani's death was yet to be determined but the creature appeared lethargic before she died and pictures showed large sores on her body.

Efforts to save the elephant were hampered as the zoo had been without a resident veterinarian for almost a year, zoo spokesman Sudaryo admitted.

But the spokesman, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, insisted the zoo had done all it could by consulting an outside vet and elephant-keeper and providing medicines.

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