Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Elephant conservation center in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a shelter for elephants set on coconut plantation land beside the Maha Oya River in Sri Lanka. Here, around 70 elephants from several generations live together and receive daily care.
The facility was founded in 1975 to protect abandoned baby elephants found in the forest. It grew from the need to rescue orphaned animals and give them a safe home.
The mahouts, traditional elephant handlers, work daily with the animals using techniques passed down through generations. This craft tradition shows how deeply intertwined people and elephants have been in this region.
Visitors can observe the elephants during their regular bathing sessions in the river and at feeding times. It helps to arrive early in the day to catch the most active moments and the best lighting for photos.
Twin baby elephants were born here in 2021, a rare occurrence in the region. This success shows how the conditions for breeding and animal welfare have improved.
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