A Call to Action: Protecting Elephants in Bali's Tourism Industry
In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing awareness and concern for wildlife and animal tourism. As tourists become more educated about animal welfare, significant changes are being implemented to improve the lives of these magnificent creatures. The focus is shifting towards reducing direct contact with animals and creating activities that prioritize their freedom and well-being.
Indonesia, home to the critically endangered Sumatran elephant, is taking steps to address this issue. While Bali may not have wild elephants, it is now home to 84 elephants under the care of the Bali Province Conservation and Natural Resources Agency (BKSDA), spread across various facilities including zoos and tourism parks.
The BKSDA has issued a powerful call to action, urging tourism attractions with elephants to phase out elephant riding, a practice that has been criticized for its negative impact on elephant welfare and survival.
Ratna Hendratmoko, the Head of the Bali BKSDA, emphasized the need for a more civilized and respectful approach to elephant management. "They are animals, equally created by God," she stated, highlighting the importance of treating these majestic creatures with dignity.
Many facilities in Bali and across Indonesia have faced criticism for their poor elephant management practices and low welfare standards. Hendratmoko further appealed to tourists and the public to actively support the welfare of Sumatran elephants by choosing ethical tourism programs and avoiding harmful viral travel trends.
But here's where it gets controversial... Elephant riding is often considered one of the most abusive forms of work for captive elephants. Elephants are overworked, forced to give back-to-back rides to tourists for hours without adequate rest or the opportunity to engage in natural behaviors. Ill-fitting saddles cause sores and injuries to their spines, and the frequent use of bullhooks, meant only for emergency control, results in injuries to their ears and heads.
Most elephants in Bali are kept on inorganic substrates like concrete, damaging their feet, and are chained for long periods, restricting their natural movement. They lack access to browsing, natural feeding, and environmental enrichment.
So, what's the solution? Hendratmoko believes that elephant tourism attraction managers must develop ethical, high-welfare programs that provide a better life for Bali's elephants and a more engaging experience for tourists. Ethical tourism programs already exist in many Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand's Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary and Nepal's Tiger Tops, a hotel with resident elephants living chain-free.
And this is the part most people miss... Bali currently has no true elephant sanctuaries. Hendratmoko expressed hope that tourism attractions will gradually eliminate elephant riding, stating, "Hopefully, this situation will serve as a lesson." The BKSDA team is committed to providing ongoing technical guidance to the five facilities housing Bali's 84 elephants to improve welfare standards.
Previous investigations by World Animal Protection, an animal welfare NGO, revealed a disturbing lack of ethical wildlife tourism attractions in Bali. Their undercover investigations, conducted in 2023, assessed 26 animal tourism venues in Bali and Lombok, responsible for over 1,300 animals, including all of BKSDA's elephants. The findings were alarming: "nearly all did not meet the most basic needs of the animals held captive."
Ten of the assessed venues, including Mason Elephant Lodge, Bali Zoo, Bali Safari Marine Park, and Bali Exotic Marine Park, were categorized as wildlife entertainment venues.
It's time for a change. The BKSDA's call to action is a crucial step towards improving the lives of Bali's elephants. By supporting ethical tourism practices and raising awareness, we can ensure a brighter future for these magnificent creatures and create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
