Animal Welfare
We care about all animals on and around the Gili Islands, both underwater and on land.
NON-PROFIT ANIMALS PROJECTS ON GILI
As nature lovers, it goes without saying that we care about all animals on and around the islands.
We are not alone, there are two projects on the island that focus all their attention on animals,
namely Cats of Gili and Stud Horse Riding and Rescue Stables.
Please visit these two non-profit projects when you arrive and gain a better understanding
of their work, you will also be able to see their latest activities.
To donate to the Cats of Gili you can find their fundraising page here.
To support the rescue of retired working Gili ponies you can donate here.
Culture, Tradition & Horse Welfare
The Gili Islands are unique in that there are no motorised vehicles. For generations, horses have been the traditional means of transport for people, goods and visitors—not only on the Gilis but across many parts of Indonesia.
Many visitors find this peaceful, quiet way of life charming and appreciate the absence of cars and motorcycles. At the same time, it also brings an important responsibility: ensuring the horses receive the care and welfare they deserve.
Changing long-established practices takes time. While horses continue to play an important role on the island, awareness of animal welfare has grown significantly over the years. Today, horse owners, drivers, local organisations and veterinarians are working together to improve standards of care through education, veterinary support and better management.
Stud Rescue was created to be part of this positive change. Our mission is not to judge or criticise, but to work alongside the local community to improve the lives of Gili’s horses through education, rehabilitation, rescue and responsible tourism.
Like anywhere in the world, people have different perspectives and experiences with animals. We believe that lasting change comes through compassion, respect, collaboration and education. Every visitor who chooses to support ethical horse tourism helps us continue that journey and contributes to a better future for the island’s horses.
Together, we can ensure that Gili’s traditional way of life continues with the highest possible standards of horse welfare. 🐴💚
Education is one of the most effective ways to improve horse welfare on the Gili Islands.
Most horse owners and cidomo drivers care deeply about their animals and want to provide the best possible care. However, access to veterinary services, modern horse management techniques and skilled farriers has traditionally been very limited.
Stud Horse Riding & Rescue, together with Gili Eco Trust, works closely with the local community to share practical knowledge and build trust through education rather than criticism.
By empowering owners with knowledge and practical skills, we aim to create lasting improvements in horse welfare that benefit both the animals and the people who depend on them.
Education creates understanding. Understanding creates better welfare. 🐴💚
VETERINARY CARE
Access to veterinary care has always been one of the greatest challenges on the Gili Islands. There are no resident veterinarians on the islands, and specialists in equine medicine are particularly difficult to find. For many years, sick or injured animals had to be transported by boat to Lombok for treatment—an expensive, stressful and often impractical solution.
Recognising this need, Gili Eco Trust began organising free volunteer veterinary clinics in 2007, bringing experienced veterinarians from Indonesia and around the world to provide much-needed medical care while sharing their knowledge with the local community.
Since then, these clinics have grown into regular events, treating hundreds of horses, cats and other animals each year. They are about much more than providing treatment—they also focus on education, prevention and building local capacity. Veterinary students, local animal carers and community members work alongside experienced veterinarians, learning valuable skills that help improve animal welfare long after each clinic has finished.
Stud Horse Riding & Rescue, established in 2004, continues to work closely with horse owners and cidomo drivers to build trust and improve horse welfare through free health checks, owner education, rehabilitation and training workshops for local farriers to promote better hoof care and shoeing practices.
In 2013, Cats of Gili was established as a project supported by Gili Eco Trust to provide ongoing care for the island’s cats. Today, the organisation runs regular veterinary clinics, vaccination campaigns and a successful Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme, helping to improve feline welfare while humanely managing the stray cat population.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate our long-term commitment to improving animal welfare through veterinary care, education, collaboration and compassion.
Healthy animals start with education, access to care and a community working together. 🩺🐴🐱
WILDLIFE and ANIMAL WELFARE
Although the Gili Islands are best known for their incredible marine life, they are also home to a variety of terrestrial wildlife, including numerous species of birds, monitor lizards, fruit bats, geckos and other native reptiles.
Many of the larger animals seen on the islands—including horses, cats, cows, goats and chickens—are domestic animals introduced by people and have become an important part of island life.
Protecting the islands’ unique marine ecosystems remains one of the Gili Eco Trust’s core priorities. Through reef restoration, marine research, waste management and environmental education, we work to create healthier habitats for the many species that depend on coral reefs.
In recent years, we have expanded our wildlife conservation efforts through Proyek Penyu, our sea turtle conservation programme. Working alongside the local community, we monitor nesting beaches, track turtle nests, protect eggs from disturbance and predators, collect valuable nesting data, and help ensure hatchlings safely make their natural journey to the sea. Through research, education and community involvement, Proyek Penyu aims to improve the survival of future generations of green and hawksbill turtles that nest on the Gili Islands.
Improving Animal Welfare
Our commitment to wildlife also extends to the welfare of domestic animals that share the islands with us. Through Stud Horse Riding & Rescue, we work to improve the welfare of Gili’s working and rescued horses, while Cats of Gili provides veterinary care, feeding programmes and humane population management through its Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme.
Working Together for Nature
Conservation is about making meaningful, long-term change. While there are many environmental and animal welfare challenges across the islands, our resources are focused on the areas where our experience, partnerships and community involvement can have the greatest impact. By working closely with local residents, businesses, schools, volunteers and visitors, we continue to build a healthier future for both wildlife and the communities that call the Gili Islands home.
Protecting nature means protecting every part of the island ecosystem—from coral reefs and sea turtles to horses, cats and the people who care for them. 🌿🐢🐠🐴🐱
What You Need to Know
Cats
The cats of the Gili Islands are world famous and adored by tourists and residents alike. They are possibly the friendliest you will ever meet.
The two most noticeable features you will find about many of the cats on the Gili Islands are their unusual tails and ear markings.
STUMPY OR DEFORMED TAILS
The cats on the Gili Islands are largely stray and the population has been growing in an uncontrolled way for many years since they were first introduced by residents as pets. The result is a largely inbred population, which leads to genetic and physical deformities. Stumpy, crooked and weird tails are the most obvious sign. It is one of the many reasons Cats of Gili works hard to keep the cat population under control through an ongoing Trap Neuter Return sterilisation programme.
TIPPED EARS
You will see in this photograph this cat has a V-shaped cut in his left ear. This is what is called “tipping” and happens when a stray cat is sterilised (neutered) as part of a Trap Neuter Return Programme. These programmes are run internationally to help keep stray cat populations under control and it tells us the cat is already neutered and therefore cannot breed.
Cats of Gili runs regular volunteer vet clinics to help run this TNR programme on the islands and cat catchers know that a cat with this ear marking does not need to be taken to the vet.
It is painless for the cat as it is done while they are under anaesthetic. It is similar to having your ears pierced except that the cat is asleep at the time.
FAQ
CHOOSING YOUR CIDOMO WISELY
RESEARCH THE LOCATION OF YOUR HOTEL BEFORE ARRIVAL
Many people don’t even know how lucky they are. Almost all hotels, hostels and resorts on Trawangan are less than a 20 minute walk !
WHAT HAPPENS IF WE FIND A SICK OR INJURED ANIMAL
The Gili Islands do not currently have a permanent vet. If you are concerned about a cat, it would be best to contact Cats of Gili.
If you are not sure, or witness some horses in distress, you can also get in touch with us and we will try to help.
HOW CAN I HELP THE ANIMALS
Visit the Cats of Gili website for more information about how you can support their cause.
We also set aside some of our funds to support projects and volunteer vet clinics.
Donating is often the most helpful thing you can do.
