Bali Zoo Ends Elephant Rides in Landmark Move for Animal Welfare
In a significant advancement for animal welfare and responsible tourism, Bali Zoo has officially ceased offering elephant rides to visitors. The decision, announced in January 2026, reflects growing recognition of the harm caused to elephants through such entertainment practices.
Elephant riding has long been criticized as one of the most damaging forms of wildlife tourism. To accommodate close human interaction, many elephants endure harsh training methods involving fear and pain. Moreover, captive elephants often face restricted movement, limited social interaction, and an inability to express natural behaviors.
This move follows similar actions taken by other Indonesian and regional venues, including TSI Bogor, TSI Prigen, and A’Famosa, which ended elephant rides in 2024. These changes indicate a shifting tourism industry trend away from outdated and harmful animal entertainment.
World Animal Protection—a leading advocate for animal welfare—has played a pivotal role through years of research, advocacy, and engagement. The organization highlights that ongoing visitor pressure advocating for ethical wildlife experiences has contributed to this positive development.
Support from regional bodies reinforces this progress. The Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association has publicly opposed elephant riding, and in December 2025, Bali’s Conservation and Natural Resources Agency urged attractions to discontinue such practices and adopt greater respect for elephants.
Despite this important milestone, some venues in Bali, such as Mason Elephant Park, continue to offer elephant rides. World Animal Protection emphasizes that until all rides cease, elephants remain at risk of exploitation and suffering. The organization pledges to continue collaborative efforts with governments, tourism operators, and the public to end the use of elephants in entertainment.
Tourists are encouraged to make informed choices that prioritize animal welfare when visiting Bali. Advice includes avoiding venues offering elephant rides or performances, observing elephants from safe distances in natural settings, booking with responsible travel companies, and enquiring about animal care standards in advance.
By supporting wildlife-friendly tourism, visitors can help ensure that elephants are treated ethically and that responsible, cruelty-free experiences become the norm.
This landmark decision by Bali Zoo marks a hopeful turning point towards respectful and sustainable wildlife tourism in Indonesia.
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