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Bali Zoo has officially ended its elephant ride attraction, putting the spotlight on elephant welfare and responsible wildlife tourism
"Animal welfare is our main priority," said Emma Kristiana Chandra, the zoo's public relations manager, according to Antara.
From 1 January 2026, visitors will no longer be climbing onto elephants' backs, giving the animals more space to roam, socialise, and just be elephants.
The move follows a new regulation from Indonesia's Forestry Ministry that requires conservation facilities to stop elephant riding programmes
Bali Zoo worked closely with the Bali Provincial Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to make sure the transition is smooth for both the elephants and visitors.
Chandra added that this change allows the zoo to focus on better animal care, educational experiences, and conservation-focused activities that let visitors enjoy elephants safely and ethically.
With 14 Sumatran elephants calling Bali Zoo home, this step is especially important because the species is critically endangered
BKSDA head Ratna Hendratmoko praised the decision, saying it is a positive example for other conservation facilities on the island.
And it looks like Bali Zoo isn't alone. According to World Animal Protection, other attractions in Indonesia, like TSI Bogor and TSI Prigen, have already stopped offering elephant rides, showing a shift in tourism towards more ethical experiences.
For visitors, this is a great reminder that you can enjoy wildlife without contributing to animal suffering
Keep an eye out for experiences that focus on observing elephants naturally, learning about their care, and supporting conservation efforts.
It's a small step for humans but a huge leap for elephant welfare, and it proves that responsible tourism can be fun, ethical, and memorable.
