Bali Zoo Prioritizes Animal Welfare, Permanently Ends Elephant Riding

Bali Zoo has permanently halted its elephant riding programme as part of efforts to strengthen animal welfare standards. The decision took effect on January 1, 2026. “Animal welfare is our top priority,” said Emma Kristiana Chandra, Head of Public Relations for Bali Zoo, on Thursday, January 15, 2026. She made the statement in Singapadu Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali, as quoted by Antara. The move follows Circular Letter (SE) Number 6 of 2025, issued by the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE) under the Ministry of Forestry. The circular instructs conservation institutions to cease elephant riding demonstrations. Bali Zoo coordinated with the Bali Province Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) during the process of ending the programme. According to Chandra, the policy supports improved elephant management and higher care standards. “This policy was taken to support better elephant management and ensure continued improvement in care standards,” she said. The conservation institution stated that stopping elephant riding will allow elephants more time and space. This includes opportunities to display natural behaviour, develop social interactions, and receive structured care and enrichment programmes. Following the change, Bali Zoo will redirect its focus to daily elephant care, conservation education, and visitor learning experiences. The institution stated that future activities will prioritise animal welfare and public education. Bali Zoo currently manages 14 Sumatran elephants. The group consists of 10 females and four males. BKSDA Calls on Other Institutions to Follow The Head of the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), Ratna Hendratmoko, welcomed Bali Zoo’s decision. She described the move as a positive step in implementing the ministry’s directive. “We appreciate Bali Zoo for taking the initiative and committing to stop riding elephants as of January 1, 2026,” Hendratmoko said in a separate statement, as quoted by Antara. According to BKSDA data, there are 13 conservation institutions operating in Bali. Five of them manage Sumatran elephants. The total number of Sumatran elephants under the care of these institutions is 83. Of that figure, 14 elephants are housed at Bali Zoo. The remaining elephants are managed by four other conservation institutions on the island. Hendratmoko urged other conservation institutions in Bali to adopt similar measures. She said such steps are important for ensuring the welfare of elephants and other wildlife. “According to our records, there are 83 Sumatran elephants managed by five conservation institutions in Bali,” she said. “This includes 14 elephants at Bali Zoo, consisting of 10 females and four males.” The Ministry of Forestry’s circular applies to conservation institutions nationwide. It aims to standardise welfare practices involving protected wildlife, including elephants. Cover photo: Instagram @balizoo Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat!