Bali Zoo, Denpasar, Indonesia

Visit duration: 4 hours Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Bali Zoo

Bali Zoo is a zoo in Gianyar Regency, Bali. Founded in 2002 by Anak Agung Gde Putra, who managed it until his son Lesmana Putra took over in 2011, it was the first zoo to open in Bali and remains the island's primary zoo. It keeps over 600 animals from 60 species, including a southern white rhinoceros. In February 2024 the zoo averaged 800 to 1,000 visitors a day on weekdays and up to 2,000 on holidays such as Isra Mikraj and Chinese New Year; around 70 percent of visitors were domestic and 30 percent foreign. In December 2024 Molly, a 45-year-old female Sumatran elephant, died after being swept away by a strong river current.

Checked 2026-11-05 · Source

What to watch out for

Visitors who care about animal welfare should know that Bali Zoo has been criticised by the charity World Animal Protection. In a 2018 review of Bali's zoos, the organisation concluded that Bali Zoo engaged in abusive practices towards animals, citing elephant riding and allowing visitors to touch the animals. It published another report on Bali's zoos in 2023 and found that Bali Zoo had not stopped these practices. Anyone planning a visit may wish to read these reports and decide whether to take part in close-contact activities such as elephant rides. The zoo is busiest on holidays such as Isra Mikraj and Chinese New Year, when it has received up to 2,000 visitors a day.

Checked 2026-11-05 · Source