Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Not a zoo. A sanctuary that has been operating since 1975.

Pinnawala is the Department of Wildlife Conservation's elephant orphanage --- established in 1975 to care for wild elephants orphaned, injured, or abandoned. The herd currently numbers over 90 animals.

Experiences at this stop

• River bathing --- the full herd

The herd walks to the Maha Oya River twice daily (10am and 2pm). For 45 minutes, 90 elephants of all ages bathe, play, drink, and interact in open water at close range.

• Baby feeding --- milk bottle

The youngest orphaned calves are bottle-fed at scheduled intervals. A complex animal that has survived separation and trauma, accepting food from a trusted mahout.