Gianyar, Bali, Jan. 15 -- Bali Zoo has ended its elephant ride attraction for tourists, saying the move prioritizes animal welfare and complies with a Forestry Ministry regulation banning the practice at conservation facilities, the zoo said on Thursday.

"Animal welfare is our main priority," Bali Zoo public relations manager Emma Kristiana Chandra said, confirming the zoo's decision to permanently halt elephant rides.

She said the zoo was complying with Circular No. 6 of 2025 issued by the Forestry Ministry's Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation, which orders conservation bodies to end elephant riding programs.

Bali Zoo stopped offering elephant rides on Jan. 1, 2026, Chandra said, adding the zoo coordin...