Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Tourism

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, located in the village of Pinnawala near Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a sanctuary and breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. Established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, the orphanage was originally designed to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. As the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, Pinnawala has become a notable attraction for visitors from across the globe. The orphanage spans over a vast area where elephants roam freely during the day and are corralled at night. It includes a nursery and captive breeding program, which have been quite successful over the years. Visitors to the orphanage can observe the daily routines of the elephants, including bottle feeding of calves, the elephants bathing in the Oya River, and the feeding of all the residents. The sight of the herd mingling and socializing is both heartwarming and educational, offering insights into the behavior and conservation of these magnificent creatures.