Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Elephant conservation center in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka
The sanctuary spans 25 acres of coconut plantation land alongside the Maha Oya River, housing 71 elephants from three generations.
The Department of Wildlife Conservation of Sri Lanka established this facility in 1975 to protect abandoned baby elephants found in forests.
The elephants receive care from 70 traditional mahouts who maintain centuries-old techniques of elephant handling and management.
Visitors can observe the elephants during their scheduled bathing sessions in the river and bottle-feeding times throughout the day.
In August 2021, the facility recorded the first twin elephant birth in Sri Lanka in 80 years when Surangi delivered two male calves.
Inception: 1975
Website: http://nationalzoo.gov.lk/elephantorphanage
GPS coordinates: 7.30051,80.38719
Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:44
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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