Bali Zoo Ends Elephant Riding

Suzanne Milthorpe, head of campaigns for World Animal Protection ANZ, said: 

“The announcement that Bali Zoo is ending elephant riding sends a strong signal to the tourism industry that elephant riding belongs in the history books. The announcement follows similar action taken by TSI Bogor, TSI Prigen and A'Famosa halting elephant riding in 2024.

“This progress for captive elephants follows years of tireless advocacy and on-the-ground engagement by World Animal Protection. Our 2018 and 2023 reports on captive wildlife entertainment venues in Bali shone a spotlight on the cruelty that wild animals like elephantsendureat several of the venues including the two that have announced the riding ban.

“Elephant riding is one of the cruellest captive animal entertainment offerings. While this is a welcome step in theright direction, some venues within Bali, like Mason Elephant Park, are stilloffering elephantriding activities.

“This development was also made possible by the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association taking a strong public position against elephant riding. These four venues are members of the association.

“In December 2025, the Bali Province Conservation and Natural Resources Agency called for respect for elephants and for tourism attractions to shift away from elephant riding.

“As attitudes change and tourists move to more responsible ways of seeing elephants, the Balinese venues still offering close encounters with elephants risk being out of step with community expectations and left behind in their outdated offerings.

“Most travellers don’t realise their once-in-a-lifetime encounter with an elephant can mean a lifetime of misery for that animal. That is why we’re urging holidaymakers to be responsible travellers.

“If tourists love elephants, we’re encouraging them to visit them from a safe distance in their natural environments. And make sure their trip is organised by a responsible travel company that takes animal welfare seriously.”

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