Victory! Indonesia Bans Elephant Rides Nationwide, A Win For Ethical Wildlife Tourism

Update: 1/30/26 

The Indonesian government has officially announced a ban on elephant rides, ending one of the most exploitative practices facing captive elephants throughout the country. The nationwide directive applies to all zoos, conservation centers, and tourist facilities, including Bali Zoo, and prohibits the use of elephants for riding attractions.

WAN has long reported on the cruelty behind elephant rides. Elephants are forced to endure painful training, confinement, and the constant strain of carrying people on their backs, even though their spines are not built for the heavy burden. These conditions often lead to chronic injuries and severe stress.

This ban represents a historic shift by the Indonesian government toward wildlife tourism that no longer profits from animal suffering. Facilities are now expected to transition away from exploitative interactions and toward practices that respect elephants as sentient beings, not showpieces.

While enforcement will be critical, the decision marks an important victory for elephants and for advocates who have worked tirelessly to expose the reality behind elephant tourism. WAN welcomes this historic step and will continue to monitor how the ban is implemented.

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On January 1, 2026, Bali Zoo officially stopped offering elephant rides following a new government directive and mounting pressure from international animal welfare organizations, including World Animal Protection. The move reflects growing recognition that elephant riding is harmful and stressful for these gentle giants and signals a shift toward more ethical wildlife tourism.

Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry issued a nationwide directive requiring conservation centers that manage elephants to end elephant-riding activities, as part of efforts to strengthen animal welfare standards. The directive encourages facilities to shift toward educational and observation-based experiences that allow elephants to engage in natural behaviors rather than perform for entertainment.

Bali Zoo is now emphasizing educational experiences, such as observing elephants bathe, feed, and interact socially. By prioritizing observation over rides, the zoo hopes to provide visitors with meaningful encounters that respect the animals’ well-being.

Elephant riding is widely recognized as physically and mentally stressful for the animals. It often involves harmful training practices, including the use of bullhooks, to coerce elephants into compliance. These methods can cause injury, chronic stress, and behavioral issues, while also restricting elephants’ natural social behaviors.

Ending elephant rides is part of a broader effort to transition toward ethical tourism that supports natural behaviors. According to World Animal Protection, safari parks, including TSI Bogor, TSI Prigen, and A’Famosa have taken similar steps, indicating a growing industry-wide commitment to animal welfare.

• Prevents Abuse: Eliminates the need for harsh training methods that can cause physical and psychological harm.

• Promotes Natural Behavior: Allows elephants to roam freely, socialize with other elephants, and engage in normal activities such as bathing and foraging.

• Educational Value: Visitors gain a deeper understanding of elephant behavior and conservation through respectful observation rather than harmful interaction.

Although this marks a historic step forward for animal welfare, some facilities in Indonesia continue to offer elephant rides. Advocates are calling for a comprehensive, nationwide ban to ensure that all captive elephants are treated ethically. The shift reflects a growing global movement toward tourism practices that prioritize animal welfare and foster sustainable, respectful interactions between humans and animals.