PETA Statement: Indonesia Bans Elephant Rides!

Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has officially banned elephant rides nationwide. Yesterday, Mason Elephant Park & Lodge in Bali, a for-profit zoo, became the last facility in the country to end elephant rides, following a directive from the Ministry. This landmark decision comes after PETA’s investigation into elephant tourism facilities, released in November.

Jason Baker, President of PETA Asia, has released the following statement:

“Elephants are too often on the losing end of the tourism industry. PETA investigations have found elephants routinely chained and beaten with sharp bullhooks to force them to obey for tourist rides, while babies are frequently subjected to brutal training methods designed to break their spirits.

The move by the Indonesian government—and specifically the Ministry of Forestry—puts Indonesia at the forefront of elephant welfare. While more work remains, this makes Indonesia the first country in Asia to ban elephant rides nationwide. History will look back on this as a precedent-setting decision.

We now urge Nepal, Thailand, India, and other countries to follow Indonesia’s lead, and we call on travel agencies worldwide to stop selling packages that include elephant rides anywhere in the world.”