Elephant Riding Banned: A Win for Animal Welfare

Indonesia has completed a nationwide ban on elephant riding for its 100 captive elephants, marking a significant step toward ethical tourism and improved animal welfare. The ban, which took effect in January 2026, aims to end the physical and psychological trauma endured by elephants used for entertainment and labor.

Indonesia Bans Elephant Riding

For decades, tourists visiting Indonesia could participate in elephant rides as part of their experience. However, this practice was often harmful and stressful for the elephants, with revenue prioritized over their well-being. The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, announced the ban in 2025, a move applauded by conservation groups globally.

PETA, which continues to advocate for a ban on elephant rides in Thailand, described the Indonesian ban as “a step forward for compassionate tourism.” World Animal Protection also issued a statement congratulating the Indonesian government on the decision, advocating for wildlife experiences that prioritize animal well-being and education over exploitation.

What Will Happen to the Elephants Now?

The more than 100 elephants previously used for rides cannot be returned to the wild due to prolonged captivity. The focus now shifts to conservation and providing them with enriched lives. Mason Elephant Park in Bali plans to offer visitors opportunities to hand-feed, observe, and bathe the elephants, aligning with the Head of the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency’s vision for ethical wildlife tourism.

What Were the Conditions of Elephants in Indonesia?

Elephants used for rides in Indonesia often endured poor conditions and mistreatment. Those who resisted training were subjected to painful practices, including prolonged confinement and chaining. Physically, they suffered injuries from long hours of walking on hard surfaces, leading to joint problems and foot conditions. Bullhooks were also used, causing open wounds and scars.

Psychological stress was also prevalent, manifesting as aggression, social withdrawal, and disinterest in the natural environment. These intelligent animals endured a life of poor treatment and emotional toll.

Purposes of Elephant Riding That Were Not Tourism Related

Historically, elephants have been used for warfare, agriculture, construction, and logging. They were often separated from their mothers at a young age for training, a practice that caused trauma. The ban in Indonesia represents a shift away from exploiting elephants for human benefit toward conservation.

Animals Encounters Are Becoming a Thing of the Past

The mistreatment of elephants in tourism mirrors issues with other animal encounters, such as whales and dolphins in captivity. Growing public awareness and advocacy have led to bans on keeping whales and dolphins in captivity in countries like Canada, and a phasing out of breeding programs at SeaWorld. Similar scrutiny is being applied to donkey rides in Greece and camel/horse rides in Egypt, where animal welfare concerns are mounting.

As more travelers prioritize ethical tourism, the demand for exploitative animal encounters is expected to decline, paving the way for a future where animals are treated with respect and compassion.