In a massive win for animal welfare, Indonesia has officially banned elephant rides. IIndonesia’s Ministry of Forestry has officially banned elephant rides across all tourism and commercial venues nationwide. The landmark directive applies to all national parks, zoos, safari parks, and conservation centers—including Bali's popular vacation hotspots. The policy follows years of intensive advocacy from animal welfare groups, including PETA and World Animal Protection, which have long exposed the systemic cruelty and severe physical trauma endured by captive elephants in the entertainment sector. With the implementation of this historic ban, Indonesia is transitioning toward an ethical, observation-based wildlife tourism model. Venues that fail to comply with the directive risk severe penalties, including the immediate revocation of their commercial operating licenses. By taking this bold step, Indonesia has positioned itself as a leader in global conservation, challenging other Asian nations to phase out invasive wildlife interactions and embrace more compassionate travel experiences. source: World Animal Protection. (2026). Indonesia bans elephant riding in landmark welfare move. World Animal Protection.

On World Rhino Day, we celebrate the magnificent greater one-horned rhinoceros and laud all those at the forefront of its protection.  Assam now holds nearly 80% of the world’s rhino population and Kaziranga’s efforts to end rhino poaching have been extensively appreciated.  On one hand, rhinos have either returned or are well protected in parts of Bihar and West Bengal. On the other hand, success of reintroduction of rhinos in Dudhwa (Uttar Pradesh) is creating history. This shows the sustained commitment of our people towards animal protection and active wildlife management in the range states. Taking species conservation in the country forward, I am happy to share that Project Rhino has been initiated for financial and technical support to the range states for protection, habitat management, genetic improvement and understanding population dynamics.

BREAKING: @USDA is taking aggressive new action to protect pets and hold bad actors accountable. 🐾      Today, alongside @SecKennedy, @LaraLeaTrump, @JudgeJeanine, @TheJusticeDept, @OIGUSDA, and animal welfare leaders, we announced:      ➡️ The deployment of USDA’s new Animal Protection Bureau to target unlicensed breeders, illegal dog imports, and regulatory evasion
➡️ Strengthening Animal Welfare Act standards for dogs ➡️ A 20% increase in special-agent investigators focused on animal fighting and related crimes   ➡️ A review of breeders who surrendered licenses and may still be operating illegally   ➡️ More than 2,000 regulatory notices reinforcing humane-care requirements      Since February, @USDA_APHIS has conducted 2,000 inspections and more than doubled enforcement actions compared to past years.      Today is a great day for animal welfare — and a bad day for anyone who would do animals harm.

To all Americans who have voiced concerns about protections for our dogs: we have heard you loud and clear. 🐾🇺🇸 Today, I am proud to announce that, in response to more than 7,500 public comments, USDA is taking additional steps to strengthen animal welfare protections. 🚨 Deploying the USDA Animal Protection Bureau to target bad actors and illegal activity 👮‍♂️Increasing Inspector General staffing by 20% 📬 Delivering 2,000 notices reminding regulated breeders of their responsibility to provide humane care ⚖️ Tightening oversight, raising standards, and strengthening accountability across the system Great discussion with @LaraLeaTrump , @SecKennedy, and @JudgeJeanine about the work ahead. Animal welfare is not up for negotiation. Americans should know that at USDA, we will always stand up for man’s best friend. 🐶🇺🇸