Bali’s Mason Elephant Park Ceases Elephant Riding for Tourists to Boost Welfare and Ethical Tourism
In a significant move towards animal welfare and conservation-focused tourism, Bali’s famed Mason Elephant Park has officially suspended elephant riding activities for tourists as of January 25, 2026. The announcement was made in line with new regulations mandating the termination of elephant riding demonstrations at conservation institutions across the region.
Home to 27 critically endangered Sumatran elephants, Mason Elephant Park has long been a popular destination, attracting global visitors including celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Steve Irwin, Julia Roberts, and David Beckham. However, the park is now shifting its focus towards more ethical and educational wildlife tourism practices.
Bali’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Head, Ratna Hendratmoko, stated that the agency is actively monitoring compliance with the Circular Letter of the Director General of KSDAE Number 6 of 2025, which calls for the cessation of elephant riding to ensure adherence to animal welfare principles. “We reiterate that all conservation institutions are required to stop elephant riding and begin transforming themselves into more educational, innovative, and ethical wildlife tourism,” Hendratmoko said during a media briefing at the park.
Following a similar decision earlier in January by Bali Zoo, which became the first institution on the island to discontinue elephant rides on January 1, Mason Elephant Park’s policy change reflects a broader trend towards ethical tourism in the region. Bali Zoo, home to fourteen Sumatran elephants, ended its riding program to promote natural behaviors, social interaction, and enrichment for the elephants.
Despite ending rides, Mason Elephant Park continues to offer several interactive experiences including hand-feeding sessions, elephant washing, observation walks, and opportunities to view elephants roaming freely within the sanctuary. These programs aim to provide enriched, responsible visitor engagement while prioritizing the well-being of the elephants.
The changes have been welcomed by conservationists, animal welfare advocates, and tourists alike. Experts point to successful precedents across Southeast Asia, including Thailand’s Following Giants and Cambodia’s Elephant Valley Project, where observation-based elephant tourism has proven beneficial both ethically and economically.
Inda Trimafo Yudha, Chairperson of the Indonesian Recreational Park Business Association (PUTRI) Bali, emphasized the importance of maintaining animal dignity, stating, “The essence of conservation remains animal protection. Tourism should only support sustainability, not the other way around.”
With these developments, Bali is setting a new standard for responsible wildlife tourism that balances visitor experiences with the commitment to protect and conserve its critically endangered elephant population.
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