Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated in town of Kegalle, halfway between Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, is a sanctuary dedicated to providing care and protection for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants. It has evolved from a small refuge with just a few elephants to one of the world’s largest elephant orphanages and breeding grounds.
The orphanage began with just five orphaned calves, Vijaya, Neela, Kadira, Mathlee, and Kumari. Initially, it was located at Wilpattu National Park, then moved to Bentota Beach, and later to the Dehiwala Zoo before settling in Pinnawala.
- Growth and Expansion:Over the years, the orphanage has grown significantly, now housing a large herd of elephants, including multiple generations. It has become a major center for elephant conservation and breeding in Sri Lanka.
- Purpose:The primary goal of Pinnawala is to provide a safe haven for elephants that have been displaced or injured in the wild, offering them food, shelter, and medical care. The orphanage also aims to rehabilitate and breed elephants in a controlled environment.
International Recognition:
Pinnawala has gained international recognition for its efforts in elephant conservation and research, contributing valuable knowledge to the global understanding of elephant behavior and welfare
