Bali Zoo Ends Elephant Rides in Landmark Step for Animal Welfare
In a significant move for animal welfare and responsible tourism in Indonesia, Bali Zoo has officially ceased offering elephant rides to visitors. This decision, announced in January 2026, marks a major advancement in the protection of elephants and reflects a growing awareness of the harm caused by elephant riding in wildlife tourism.
Ending Harmful Practices
Elephant riding is widely recognized as one of the most detrimental forms of wildlife entertainment. The practice often involves harsh training methods that rely on fear and pain to make elephants tolerate close human contact. Additionally, captive elephants are frequently kept in conditions that restrict their natural movement, social interactions, and behaviors. Investigations into wildlife tourism in Bali have repeatedly exposed the suffering endured by elephants used for such entertainment.
Building on Regional Progress
The Bali Zoo’s decision follows similar actions taken by other major venues, including TSI Bogor, TSI Prigen, and A’Famosa, which discontinued elephant rides in 2024. These developments indicate a positive shift within the tourism industry, moving away from outdated and harmful wildlife interactions.
Support from Conservation Authorities
This progress has been supported by the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association, which has publicly opposed elephant riding. Furthermore, in December 2025, the Bali Province Conservation and Natural Resources Agency urged attractions to treat elephants with greater respect and to discontinue riding activities. Such endorsements underscore increasing community and official expectations for responsible tourism that prioritizes animal welfare.
Encouraging Responsible Tourism
World Animal Protection emphasizes the role of tourists in protecting vulnerable animals. Visitors are encouraged to avoid venues offering elephant rides, bathing, or performances, to observe elephants from safe distances in their natural habitats, and to select travel companies that prioritize ethical treatment of wildlife. Asking critical questions about animal welfare before booking is also advised.
Ongoing Challenges and Commitment
While the end of elephant rides at Bali Zoo is a welcome milestone, some venues in Bali, such as Mason Elephant Park, continue to offer elephant riding activities. Elephant welfare advocates assert that until all such rides cease, elephants remain at risk of suffering. World Animal Protection pledges ongoing collaboration with governments, the tourism sector, and the public to eliminate exploitation of elephants for entertainment and to promote wildlife-friendly tourism as the standard.
This landmark decision by Bali Zoo represents a meaningful step toward changing the tourism landscape in Indonesia, fostering an environment where wildlife can be appreciated ethically and compassionately.
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