PETA Exposes Shocking Abuse at Bali Elephant Facilities

Tourists are often drawn to elephant attractions by the promise of a “sanctuary” experience, believing they’re helping to support and protect elephants. But PETA’s latest investigation in Bali exposes that every ticket to these operations funds shocking cruelty. Bakas Adventure Elephant Safari and Rafting, Mason Elephant Park & Lodge, and the Bali Zoo claim to care for elephants, but instead, they exploit and abuse them.

At these facilities, elephants were found chained in barren pens, bearing scars and wounds on their heads and scars on their legs. PETA investigators documented handlers repeatedly jabbing and striking the animals with to force them to give rides or pose for photo opportunities. One baby elephant was confined to a dark, off-limits area. A former employee confirmed that bullhooks are routinely used to compel obedience, and elephants are denied food as punishment.

When not forced to entertain tourists, these intelligent, social, and emotionally complex animals are left chained for hours—sometimes from late afternoon until the next morning. Elephants naturally roam vast distances, forage, bathe, and engage with their families. In captivity, they are denied these essential behaviors, leading to immense physical and psychological suffering. Many develop painful foot and joint problems, and some exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

 “Whenever they are not following directions, we don’t give them [food]… You have to hit them hard to make them more compliant…If the elephants are not compliant with blunt hooks, then handlers use the sharp ones, until the elephants are bleeding.” – former contractor at Mason Elephant Park & Lodge

True sanctuaries never buy, sell, breed, or exploit animals for profit. They allow elephants to live freely in large natural habitats and provide them with companionship from other elephants. Visitors may observe the animals from a distance, but direct contact is never permitted—ensuring both the elephants’ welfare and the safety of the public.

PETA urges travelers to reject any facility that allows direct interaction with elephants, whether through rides, bathing, feeding, or photo ops. Elephants are individuals, not props or entertainment.