Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawela

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka’s most treasured relief projects. With elephants being listed under the endangered species and with the heavy decline in the numbers of Pachyderms in the world, this project has received much appreciation and support from the world. While being the most successful and biggest orphanage in the world, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is currently home to 84 Asian Elephants, which are a Sri Lanka sub-species.

One of the most desired tourist destinations; the orphanage elephants are well trained and friendly. While the herd takes a two-hour bath in the Mahaweli River, tourists and local visitors are able to pet and bathe the elephants. Additionally, a number of volunteering programmes have been listed for tourists who wish to participate in an aid projects for the orphanage.

Founded due to the need of homes for orphaned elephants, the orphanage was initiated by the Department of Wildlife in 1975. The project that started with only five elephants is now home to over eighty pachyderms.  The Orphanage is situated on a 25-acre land close to the Maha Oya, nearly 80 kilometres away from Colombo through it was initially situated within the Wilpattu National Park. Furthermore, the National Zoological Gardens department received the administration from the Department of Wildlife, and thereby in 1982, the breeding program was initiated.  As of present, fourteen baby elephants have been born under the guardianship of the breeding programme.

The elephants thought kept in captivity during visiting hours, are left to roam the fields of the land and live of the habitat that has been provided to them.  With so much to learn and see, captivate your heart with the nuances of a baby elephant and be enlightened on the delicate nature of large but gentle creatures.

Zoos in Sri Lanka