Victory for Animals! No More Elephant Rides in Indonesia
Throughout Indonesia, elephants have long suffered when forced to entertain tourists by “giving” rides. Now, coming on the heels of a damning PETA Asia investigation that revealed elephants at popular Bali attractions – including Mason Elephant Park & Lodge and Bakas Adventure Elephant Safari – were abused to the point they were left with wounds and scars, these rides are over.
Thanks to the Indonesian government’s latest guidelines issued by the Ministry of Forestry and the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), elephant riding activities at facilities across the country have now ended.
Progress Made – But More to Do
Thanks to decades of field research, we know that elephants are highly social animals who live in matriarchal herds, protect one another, forage for fresh vegetation, play, bathe in rivers, and share mothering responsibilities for the herds’ babies. In nature, elephants walk up to 30 miles each day and are active for 18 hours. This freedom of movement and social engagement are essential for maintaining their physical and psychological well-being.
When used as props to empty tourists’ wallets, these complex and multifaceted emotional relationships are left in tatters. And even when they are no longer forced to give rides, elephants continue to suffer for the sake of tourist attractions. Forcing them into interactions with tourists – be it bathing, feeding, or hands-on photo experiences – creates an unnatural, stressful situation.
These activities still require animals to be dominated to tolerate close human contact. They live in fear of being beaten with bullhooks – heavy batons with a sharp steel hook on the end. These weapons are used to keep elephants afraid and submissive. Most captive elephants die decades short of their expected lifespans from joint disease and other debilitating conditions related to their confinement.
Don’t Believe Everything You Hear
Elephant camps throughout Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and other Asian countries are notorious for duping the public into believing that their activities benefit elephants – often by claiming to rescue them or offer them “sanctuary” – but the reality is far darker.
What You Can Do
Wherever you go, choose only legitimate sanctuaries – facilities that are strictly hands-off, with no rides, no selfies, and no forced interactions – where elephants can roam freely, forage, and socialise naturally.
Please also take action for all animals used for tourist rides by sending a message urging authorities to put a stop to them.
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