#61,Dungalpitiya,
Thalahena, Negombo.
Call Us
+94 716 852 945,
Email Us
info@beachhouse.lk
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO) ; just as the name suggests holds a unique
disposition in the ex-situ animal care. It’s success and fame has travelled not just within
the country but throughout the world to an extent where Pinnawala synonymous with the Sri
Lankan Elephant.
Currently being a home to 93 elephants the concept was actualized by the late
Hon. Minister Kalugalle on the 16th of February 1975. Pinnawala at the time was a very
remote area with lush coconut plantations and most importantly an area where the
availability of mahouts was not lacking. Also the immense amount of water required by the
elephants is supplemented with the availability of “Ma oya” running close by.
Pinnawela was established with just 5 babies and is now home to 70+
elephants, who have a vast acreage in which to live freely. Pinnawela is proud to be home to
the largest captive herd of elephant in the world. There is a very successful ongoing
breeding programme allowing for the elephant population to increase, without worry of harm
or injury.
With several young elephants living at the Orphanage, feeding time is great
fun to see. Using giant bottles filled with milk, the keepers feed the babies, much to the
delight of onlookers. Once the hungry babies are fed, there is a great opportunity to see
the herd in a very natural habitat. A large expanse of land allows the herd to wander freely
at will, in as close a natural habitat as is possible. Visitors get the chance to see where
the elephants live and see just how well the elephants are looked after.
Twice a day the elephants are taken a short walk across to the river where
they spend an hour and a half bathing and relaxing in the cooling water. This is a superb
opportunity to see how the elephants interact together as a herd and to see them enjoying
themselves. Especially lovely to watch are the antics of the younger elephants as they play
at submarines and splashing each other delightedly.
With the entrance fees bring used to continually improve the Pinnawela Orphanage, a trip here is one which you can never forget, with your donations going to an excellent and worthy cause.
