Attraction

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a fantastic location to visit for everyone that wishes to get up-close and personal with the gentle pachyderms that have become synonymous with Sri Lanka – the Sri Lankan Elephant. Pinnawala is the only place in the island that acts as an orphanage for these majestic animals. It provides a refuge, nursery and breeding ground for elephants that have been left stranded and abandoned, while providing a great opportunity for travellers to learn and interact with these amazing animals.

The Sri Lankan elephant has always held an important position in the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka, being seen as an animal of great prestige and deserving of respect. Being the second largest animal to walk the planet, Sri Lankan elephants require large territories and immense quantities of food. This has put them at odds with local humans and conflicts between the two has become increasingly common. As a result, the species is now considered endangered and is in dire need of a helping hand. Pinnawala provides this, offering a home for orphaned elephants, as well as older individuals that can no longer take care of themselves.

Pinnawala was first established in 1975 to provide care for elephants and to ensure their continued survival. At the start there was only five baby elephants, as the years progressed this number grew as more and more stranded elephants ended up in the facility. By 2011, their numbers peaked with the herd boasting up to 88 individual animals. The orphanage employs around 50 mahouts to care for these animals, they ensure that the elephants are well fed and are getting sufficient enrichment.

The orphanage is open from 8am to visitors and as the day progresses there are many activities to see and try out. You can take part in feeding activities by handing fresh batches of fruits to the adults and big bottles of milk for the young calves. As the day heats up, the elephants will head on over to the river to cool off – you can join them! Bathing with these giants is one of the most fun and fascinating experiences you can have at the orphanage.

From Colombo
98.7 km
Time Duration
2 h 16 min
Entrance Ticket
No

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