Why I feel Bad About Elephant Riding at Bali Zoo

Riding an elephant at the Bali Zoo seemed like an exciting adventure, but as I reflect on that experience, I can’t shake off the feeling of feeling bad about doing so. Bali, with its breathtaking  hotels and rich culture and friendly people, is indeed a paradise for travelers. Bali is beautiful and I love everything about their jungle vibe hotels I and can’t wait to come back again. Stay tuned to the end of this post to find out where we stayed. However, my decision to ride an elephant left me with a sense of unease, and here’s why.

The moment my sister and I opted for the elephant ride at the zoo, I couldn’t help but notice the price tag attached to it. IDR 1,605,000 per person, equivalent to $100 USD or $137 CAD, felt like a significant investment for about a 20-minute ride. But still made sense. Yet, what troubled me more were the thoughts that crossed my mind as we embarked on this journey on top of the majestic creature.

As the elephant slowly walked along the zoo’s pathways, carrying us on what resembled a bench perched atop its back, doubts crept into my mind. Questions like, “Are we causing the elephant any discomfort?” and “Why does it seem like it’s walking so slowly?” lingered in my thoughts. It was my first time riding an elephant, and instead of pure exhilaration, I found myself grappling with a sense of unease.

Reflecting on that experience now, I realize that my discomfort stemmed from a growing awareness of the ethical concerns surrounding elephant tourism. Elephants, known for their intelligence and strength, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Yet, in the pursuit of novelty and adventure, I, like many others, overlooked the potential harm inflicted upon these gentle giants. Also if you like to ride elephants, it doesn’t make you a bad person. This is just my personal opinion I thought I’d share with you.

The reality is that many elephants, including those used for tourist rides, endure harsh living conditions and are subjected to cruel training methods. From a young age, they are often separated from their mothers and subjected to physical and psychological abuse to make them compliant for rides and performances.

Moreover, the very act of carrying tourists on their backs can cause long-term harm to these amazing creatures. The weight of multiple riders, coupled with the strain of carrying them for prolonged periods, can lead to back and joint problems for elephants. What may seem like a thrilling experience for us can translate into a lifetime of suffering for them.

In hindsight, I realize that my decision to ride an elephant was not only ethically questionable but also contributed to the perpetuation of an industry that exploits these animals for profit. As travelers, we have a responsibility to educate ourselves about the impact of our choices and to prioritize ethical and sustainable tourism practices.

Moving forward, I personally am committed to advocating for responsible tourism and supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of animals in captivity. While I can’t change the past, I can use my experience to raise awareness and encourage others to make more conscientious decisions when it comes to interacting with wildlife.

In conclusion, while my trip to Bali was filled with unforgettable moments, the memory of riding an elephant at the zoo will always be just a bit regretful. It serves as reminder of the importance of respecting the rights and well-being of all living beings, including the majestic elephants that call Bali home.

There are still other awesome Bali adventures that I highly recommend if you are going to be visiting Bali Zoo, and that is, Breakfast with the Orangutans. Kickstart your day with the cutest breakfast buddies ever – the lovable orangutans of Bali Zoo! Dine with the jungle royalty in their wild and fun playground. Get up close and personal with the rest of the wildlife sanctuary’s residents and make your day even more thrilling with live animal shows (only if you dare)!

Click here to find out more about Breakfast with the Orangutans at Zoo

Click here for a hotel review of the beautiful nature resort we stayed at in Bali.

Happy Travels!

Jamila Bell @Luxury Travel Babe Blog