What's Happening?
Bali Zoo has officially ceased its elephant riding activities as of January 1, 2026, marking a significant step forward in animal welfare advocacy in Southeast Asia. This decision aligns with a growing movement against captive animal entertainment, driven
by organizations like World Animal Protection. The zoo's decision aims to allow elephants more time for natural behaviors, social interaction, and enrichment. Suzanne Milthorpe, head of campaigns for World Animal Protection ANZ, emphasized that this move sends a strong message to the tourism industry, suggesting that elephant riding should be a thing of the past. This change follows similar actions by other venues such as TSI Bogor, TSI Prigen, and A’Famosa, which ended elephant riding in 2024. Despite this progress, some venues, like Mason Elephant Park, continue to offer such activities.
Why It's Important?
The cessation of elephant riding at Bali Zoo is a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of captive animals. This decision reflects a broader shift in public and industry attitudes towards more ethical tourism practices. By ending elephant riding, Bali Zoo is aligning with global standards and responding to increasing consumer demand for responsible tourism. This move could influence other zoos and tourist attractions to reconsider their practices, potentially leading to widespread changes in how animals are treated in captivity. The decision also highlights the role of advocacy groups in driving change and the importance of aligning tourism practices with ethical standards.
What's Next?
Following Bali Zoo's decision, there may be increased pressure on other venues that still offer elephant riding to reconsider their practices. Advocacy groups are likely to continue their efforts to promote responsible tourism and encourage more venues to adopt similar policies. The Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association, which has taken a public stance against elephant riding, may play a crucial role in facilitating these changes. Additionally, local authorities, such as the Bali Province Conservation and Natural Resources Agency, may continue to advocate for the welfare of elephants and other captive animals, potentially leading to regulatory changes in the tourism industry.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision by Bali Zoo to end elephant riding could have broader implications for the tourism industry, particularly in regions where animal-based attractions are popular. This shift may encourage tourists to seek out more ethical and sustainable travel experiences, potentially leading to a decline in demand for attractions that involve animal exploitation. Furthermore, this change could inspire other industries to reevaluate their practices concerning animal welfare, leading to a more widespread cultural shift towards ethical treatment of animals. The move also underscores the power of consumer choice and advocacy in driving industry change.
