Elephant orphanage in sri lanka

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: A Sanctuary for Sri Lanka’s Gentle Giants

Sri Lanka holds a unique and compassionate role in global wildlife conservation as one of the only countries providing a dedicated safe retreat for orphaned and injured elephants. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, established by the Sri Lankan government, is the original and most famous of these sanctuaries. It has become an iconic destination for animal lovers from around the world, offering a chance to witness the care and protection of these majestic creatures.

A Mission of Rescue and Rehabilitation

Founded in 1972 to care for just five orphaned calves, Pinnawala‘s mission began amidst a growing need to address see elephants left vulnerable due to human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and accidents. Relocated to its current, larger 25-acre coconut estate in 1975, the orphanage now provides a home for over 90 elephants, spanning several generations. It operates as a breeding place and a permanent sanctuary, where many of the elephants, having been raised in captivity, cannot be released back into the wild.

A Day in the Life at Pinnawala

A visit to the orphanage is structured around the daily routines of the elephants, which are both a spectacle for visitors and vital for the animals’ well-being.

• pinnawala bathing times (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): The undisputed highlight of any visit. Watch as the entire herd of elephants is led down to the Ma Oya river for their daily bath. Seeing these majestic animals play, splash, and socialize in the water is a truly unforgettable experience and a prime photography opportunity.

• Bottle Feeding the Calves (1:15 PM): This is a heartwarming sight. The youngest orphans, who are still dependent on milk, are fed from giant bottles by their dedicated mahouts (keepers). It offers a tender glimpse into the nurturing care that defines the orphanage’s work.

• Feeding and Care: Throughout the day, older elephants are fed vast quantities of jackfruit, coconut, and palm leaves. Visitors can observe the deep, lifelong bonds formed between the elephants and their mahouts.

Ethical Visitation and Considerations

As a world-renowned facility, pinnawala bathing times has also been at the center of discussions on ethical animal tourism. We believe in informed travel:

• The Sanctuary’s Role: Its primary success has been in saving the lives of countless elephants that would have otherwise perished.

• Visitor Responsibility: While pinnawala bathing times are offered elsewhere in Sri Lanka, they are not available at Pinnawala. We encourage visitors to focus on observing the natural behaviors of the see elephants during bathing and feeding times.

• Supporting Conservation: Entrance fees contribute directly to the significant cost of caring for the herd, which consumes a vast amount of food each day.

Beyond Pinnawala: Other Conservation Options

For travelers interested in a more observational, “elephants in the wild” experience, we highly recommend a safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. Here, you can witness large herds of wild elephants gathering to feed and socialize in their natural habitat.

Plan Your Visit with Rainbow Tours

Let us help you plan a respectful and memorable visit.
✅ Optimal Timing: We schedule your visit to coincide with the key bathing times for the best experience.
✅ Expert Guidance: Our guides provide context about the orphanage’s history and conservation efforts.
✅ Combined Itineraries: We often combine a half-day trip to see elephants Pinnawala with a visit to the nearby pinnawala bathing times or the ancient Kelaniya Temple, making for a diverse day of exploration.

Experience this unique aspect of Sri Lankan conservation. Contact Rainbow Tours to include a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in your tailored itinerary.

More details: http://nationalzoo.gov.lk/elephantorphanage/