Background
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 to care for orphaned and abandoned baby elephants. Today, it houses the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, with over 70 elephants including calves, juveniles and adults. They even had twin baby elephants born in 2021!
What to Expect
The orphanage is a 25-acre site with the Maha Oya River running through it. You'll see the elephants throughout the day, but there are scheduled events you can plan your visit around:
- Bathing Time: Twice a day, the elephants are taken down to the river for a bath. This is a lively and popular time to see the elephants playing in the water.
- Feeding: There may be opportunities to purchase food to feed the elephants, though this is a controversial aspect of the orphanage visit (see below).
Controversy
Pinnawala Orphanage has been criticized for its captive breeding program and lack of space for the elephants. Some visitors report that the elephants seem stressed or unhappy. If you are concerned about animal welfare, you may want to research alternative sanctuaries in Sri Lanka before visiting Pinnawala.
Considerations
- Entrance Fee: Be prepared for a higher entrance fee as a tourist.
- Ethical Treatment: Some visitors choose not to go to Pinnawala due to concerns about elephant welfare. Research sanctuaries with a focus on elephant rehabilitation before you go.
- Time of Day: If you want to see the elephants bathing, plan your visit around the scheduled times in the morning and afternoon.