A Mahout working at the Bali Safari and Marine Park suffered a tragic death on Tuesday, 17 September 2024, in an encounter with one of the Park’s elephants that had temporarily run amok.
Widely reported across major media in Bali, Komang Resi Yasa (27), a young man from a transmigrant Balinese family in Lampung, South Sumatra, died at around 9:00 am on Tuesday, 17 September, when he was savagely attacked by Gandi – a 30-year-old captive bull elephant housed at the Park renowned for its nature conservancy programs.
Eyewitness accounts of the accident relate that another Park worker, Suwoko (38), was sitting atop Gandi when the animal, in a sudden burst of aggression, traveled a distance estimated at only 10 meters before attacking Komang Resi Yasa Suwoko said that the elephant that was feeding in the tall grass at the time of the attack is usually calm and relaxed when involved in the feeding process.
With bystanders screaming for the Mahout to run for his life, the unfortunate young man fell into the tall elephant grass at the location. The elephant then used its tusks to toss the man into the air repeatedly. Those who witnessed the incident estimated that Gandi boosted the man into the air around ten times.
Meanwhile, Suwoko, sitting atop the out-of-control elephant, tried in vain to subdue and stop the attack using a “ganco” – a small sharp pick-axe often employed by handlers to control elephants. Also, trying to divert the attention away from the hapless victim, another man who works at the Park, Gilang Romadhon, repeatedly poked the elephant with a long pole. In desperation, Romadhon then tried to employ several nearby female elephants to draw Gandi away from the prolonged attack on his now motionless victim.
Separately, an unnamed expert in Bali’s captive elephant attraction sector speculated that the sudden behavioral change in the elephant may be linked to “Musth” – a periodic condition experienced by all male elephants during which they experience a large rise in reproductive hormones that often results in temporary spats of aggressive behavior.
When the attack ended, Komang Resi Yasa had suffered wounds to his thigh, left shoulder, and chest. The man was quickly evacuated to the nearby Kasih Ibu Hospital in Saba, Ginayar, where he was pronounced “dead on arrival.”
The fatal incident is now under formal investigation by the Gianyar Police Precinct. A police spokesman confirmed that CCTV recordings related to the incident are now under review, and witnesses have been interviewed. Komang’s family have traveled from Lampung to Bali to attend to the disposition of their Son’s mortal remains.
Kompas.com reports that Ranta Hendretmok, the head of Bali’s Nature Conservation Agency (BKSDA), has temporarily closed Bali Safari Park’s Elephant Attractions to permit a careful review and examination of the incident.
Alexander Zulkarnain, Marketing Director of the Bali Safari and Marine Park, has issued a written statement, quoted by Kompas.com, underlining that the Park has strict workplace safety policies and standard operating procedures (SOP) that were in place at the time of the fatal accident. He added, “We express our deep condolences to the family of our deceased colleague and friend. Taman Safari Bali will continue to provide support to his surviving family during this period of profound grief.”
Related Links
Safari Parks Cited for Conservation Efforts
Baby Himalayan Bears at Taman Safari Bali
Celebrating RI: All Things Great & Small
16 Komodo Dragons Born at Bali Taman Safari
Two Hyenas Born at Bali Safari Park
Mooi – Baby Hyena Born at Bali Safari
Nosey Proboscis Primates at the Safari Park
Bali Safari Park Welcomes New-Born Giraffe
Bali Mynah: Age of Bali Miracles
The Amazing Taman Safari Bali Website
Stay Informed on Bali Tourism-Related News: Subscribe to Bali Update