We have a fascinating update to share about Cinta and her herd, with some exciting new developments from the field.
Cinta's herd is a thriving group of 35 to 40 individuals in the Bukit Tigapuluh ecosystem in Sumatra. Spanning approximately 125 km², their range takes in the Manggatal and Mendelang Rivers, which serve as vital lifelines for the herd - providing fresh water, rich foraging opportunities, and well-worn movement corridors through the forest. This northern habitat remains one of the most intact and protected areas in the landscape, and Cinta and her family continue to thrive within it.
The herd's social dynamics have also been noteworthy. During this period, Cinta's group was observed temporarily splitting into two subgroups before reuniting. This is a natural behaviour that reflects the flexible and intelligent social structures of elephants. Encouragingly, the herd remains cohesive and stable overall, with juveniles consistently recorded moving safely alongside the adults.
A development this period has been the possibility that Cinta's herd may be moving in proximity with Freda’s herd. Much of the evidence comes from the signs that elephants leave behind - footprints pressed into soft earth and dung along forest trails, which are used to infer group composition and movement patterns. In the dense forest that Cinta's herd calls home, direct sightings are always a challenge, which makes every piece of evidence the field team uncovers all the more valuable.
The team has also noted some southward exploratory movements toward the boundary of ABT Block 1, where the forest transitions into more human-dominated landscapes. While conflict incidents associated with Cinta's herd remain low, this emerging pattern is being carefully monitored. It is a reminder of the pressures elephants face as they navigate a changing world, and of how important continued protection and community engagement are to keeping Cinta and her family safe.
Cinta's herd is a story of resilience, adaptability, and the strength of elephant family bonds - playing out quietly in the forests of Bukit Tigapuluh every single day.
Your support gives Cinta and her herd a protected home, a dedicated team watching over them, and a future worth protecting. Thank you for being part of it.
(Program run by Ministry of Environment and Forestry and Frankfurt Zoological Society).
