Bali Zoo Ends Elephant Rides in Landmark Step for Animal Welfare
In a significant move toward improving animal welfare and promoting responsible wildlife tourism in Indonesia, Bali Zoo has officially ceased offering elephant rides to visitors. Announced in January 2026, the decision marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to reduce the exploitation of captive elephants used for entertainment purposes.
Rising Awareness and Tourism Industry Shifts
The Bali Zoo’s action follows similar measures taken by other tourist attractions, including TSI Bogor, TSI Prigen, and A’Famosa, which ended elephant riding activities in 2024. These changes reflect a growing acknowledgement within the tourism sector that such practices inflict harm on elephants, including exposure to harsh training methods and restrictive living conditions.
Elephant riding is widely recognised as one of the most detrimental forms of wildlife tourism. To make elephants accustomed to human interaction and rides, many endure training techniques based on fear and pain. Captive elephants often face limitations on their natural movements, social behaviours, and overall wellbeing.
Support from Conservation Authorities and Advocacy Groups
The decision has been endorsed by the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association, which has publicly condemned elephant riding. Additionally, the Bali Province Conservation and Natural Resources Agency appealed in late 2025 for greater respect toward elephants and urged tourist venues to discontinue riding activities. World Animal Protection, a global animal welfare organisation, has played a key role in the years of research, advocacy, and public engagement that helped drive this progress.
Ongoing Challenges and Call for Responsible Tourism
Despite the positive development at Bali Zoo, some venues within Bali, such as Mason Elephant Park, still offer elephant rides. Advocacy groups caution that as long as these activities continue elsewhere, captive elephants remain vulnerable to suffering.
World Animal Protection urges tourists to support responsible wildlife experiences by avoiding venues with elephant riding, bathing, or performance attractions. Instead, visitors are encouraged to observe elephants at a safe distance in natural environments and book with travel companies that prioritise animal welfare.
Together with governments, the tourism industry, and the public, the campaign seeks to make ethical wildlife tourism the norm, ensuring that elephants are no longer exploited for entertainment.
This announcement represents a hopeful step forward in the ongoing journey to protect elephants and foster compassionate tourism practices across the region.
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