The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka's most beloved wildlife conservation centers, located in the quaint village of Pinnawala, approximately 90 kilometers from Colombo. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lankan government, the orphanage serves as a sanctuary for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants, offering them a second chance at life in a safe and nurturing environment.
Purpose and Mission:
The orphanage was created to provide care and protection for elephants that cannot survive in the wild. It is managed by the Department of National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka and emphasizes conservation, research, and education.
Population:
Pinnawala is home to one of the world’s largest captive elephant herds, which includes both adult elephants and adorable calves. Over the years, it has become a hub for elephant breeding, with several calves born on-site.
Unique Features:
The orphanage is renowned for its picturesque location near the Ma Oya River, where elephants are taken twice daily to bathe. This river-bathing ritual is one of the most photographed activities in Sri Lanka and draws visitors from around the globe.
Feeding Times: Visitors can observe or participate in feeding sessions, where baby elephants are bottle-fed milk and adult elephants are given fruits and vegetables.
Bathing in the River: Elephants are herded to the river for their daily bath, a delightful spectacle of splashing and social interaction among the herd.
Pinnawala plays a critical role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by wild elephants, including habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. The orphanage has become a model for elephant care and breeding programs, contributing to the long-term survival of the species.
To get the most out of your visit, plan to arrive during feeding or bathing times, typically scheduled in the morning and early afternoon. These activities provide an up-close view of the elephants’ daily routines and offer incredible opportunities for photography.
Pinnawala Police station |
0452050315 |
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