Mason Elephant Park acknowledges operating elephant rides despite a government warning, citing potential 50% revenue loss, while Bali Zoo has already ended the practice.
GIANYAR, Bali — In a notable divergence from the industry trend toward animal welfare, Mason Elephant Park in Gianyar continues to offer elephant riding to tourists despite receiving a formal warning from Indonesian forestry authorities to cease the activity.
This stance emerges as other major facilities like Bali Zoo have already implemented a permanent ban on elephant rides in response to evolving global standards.
The park’s management openly addressed the situation. “Yes, (the elephant riding attraction) is still open,” park manager Ketut Sari stated in an interview with detikBali on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Sari confirmed the park had received an official warning letter (SP) one week prior, giving them a one-month deadline to stop the rides.
Citing Financial Sustainability as Primary Concern
Sari argued that an immediate cessation would have significant financial repercussions for the park’s operations. “Honestly, our revenue would automatically decrease by more than 50 percent. The operational costs for the welfare of the elephants and our staff would not be sufficient if (the riding attraction) is closed directly,” he explained to detikBali.
The manager indicated that the park’s owner intends to meet directly with Forestry Minister Raja Juli Antoni to discuss the circumstances of the 24 elephants in their care. “With the BKSDA (Natural Resources Conservation Agency) we have and will continue to communicate. Our owner is also preparing to meet the Minister,” Sari added.
Activist Scrutiny and On-Site Observations
The park’s decision to maintain the rides has attracted public criticism, notably from Indonesian artist and activist Melanie Subono, who questioned the park’s policy online after the warning was issued.
On the day of reporting, observers noted modest visitor numbers, with activities limited to feeding and bathing interactions. “Today, there were only tourists bathing elephants or swimming with elephants and feeding elephants. There were no guests riding elephants,” Sari told detikBali, attributing the quiet day to a slow seasonal start.
The case underscores a critical tension within Bali’s tourism sector: balancing compliance with governmental and ethical directives against the economic models of large-scale animal attractions.
Hey Bali News reports on developments within Bali’s tourism and conservation sectors, tracking the evolution of local industry practices.
Comments 1