Bali Parks End Elephant Riding, Ushering in New Era of Ethical Tourism
A growing wave of change is sweeping through Bali’s tourism sector as leading animal parks, including Mason Elephant Park and Bali Zoo, discontinue elephant riding, prioritizing animal welfare and a shift towards more ethical and educational experiences.
Bali’s tourism landscape is evolving, with a focus on responsible wildlife encounters. Mason Elephant Park, a popular destination frequented by celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Steve Irwin, Julia Roberts, and David Beckham, will cease elephant rides as of January 25, 2026. This decision follows a similar move by Bali Zoo, which ended the practice on January 1, 2026.
The shift comes as the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) strengthens its enforcement of regulations aimed at ending elephant riding demonstrations at conservation institutions. According to a senior official, the BKSDA is dedicated to ensuring all elephants within its care receive treatment aligned with robust animal welfare principles.
“We reiterate that all conservation institutions are required to stop elephant riding and begin transforming themselves into more educational, innovative, and ethical wildlife tourism,” the official stated.
Mason Elephant Park will continue to offer a range of alternative programs, including hand-feeding, observation walks, and opportunities for free-roam viewing, with elephant washing remaining a featured activity. Bali Zoo’s Head of Public Relations, Emma Kristiana Chandra, explained that their decision was made “to support better elephant management and ensure continuous improvement in animal handling standards.” The zoo is home to fourteen critically endangered Sumatran elephants, including a young calf named Kama.
The decision by Bali Zoo was met with considerable praise from visitors concerned about the elephants’ well-being. Many commenters also called for the cancellation of other animal interaction programs, such as the controversial breakfast with orangutans.
This move aligns with a global trend, as facilities in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Nepal have already transitioned to observation-based tourism models, proving their profitability and enhanced appeal to visitors. Successful examples include Following Giants in Thailand and Elephant Valley Project in Cambodia.
Conservationists are optimistic that this change will foster improved welfare conditions for the elephants and promote a more educational approach to tourism. Inda Trimafo Yudha, Chairperson of the Indonesian Recreational Park Business Association (PUTRI) Bali, emphasized that “the essence of conservation remains animal protection. Tourism should only support sustainability, not the other way around.”
The transition represents a significant step towards a more responsible and sustainable tourism industry in Bali, prioritizing the well-being of these magnificent creatures and offering visitors a more meaningful and ethical experience.
