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.
Inception: 1975
Website: http://nationalzoo.gov.lk/elephantorphanage
GPS coordinates: 7.30051,80.38719
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Sri Lanka offers diverse photography sites from ancient fortresses to national parks. Sigiriya Rock displays stone architecture amid green landscapes. Buddhist temples house cultural artifacts, while colonial structures like Galle Fort stand along the coast. National parks contain elephants and leopards in their natural habitat. Mountains, waterfalls, and beaches provide natural settings. The country features religious monuments such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth and Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Gardens, tea plantations, and forest reserves showcase the local flora.
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