Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary, located in Sri Lanka, is globally renowned for its dedicated efforts in elephant care and conservation. Established in 1975 under the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, this sanctuary serves as a refuge for orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants, allowing visitors to observe their daily lives in a natural environment.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was founded in 1975 with the mission of sheltering elephants displaced by human encroachment, deforestation, and poaching, as the Asian elephant population continues to decline. It offers these majestic creatures, who may otherwise not survive, a second chance to thrive in a place of safety and support.
One of the highlights for those visiting Pinnawala is watching the twice-daily bathing routines of the elephants in the Maha Oya River, a spectacular sight. Home now to over 90 elephants, including calves born on-site, the sanctuary has become one of the largest elephant orphanages globally.
An extension of the sanctuary is the Pinnawala Outdoor Zoo, where the elephants have additional space to roam and mingle with visitors. Designed to mimic the elephants’ natural habitat, this area allows them to live in conditions closely mirroring life in the wild. The outdoor zoo is also home to other native Sri Lankan animals, enhancing the experience.
Pinnawala is committed to tourism, elephant conservation, and education. Breeding programs aim to help boost dwindling elephant populations. The sanctuary informs visitors about the threats elephants face and attempts to protect them.
Whether interested in wildlife protection or simply seeing elephants up close, a trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary and Outdoor Zoo should be at the top of your Sri Lanka itinerary. Open all year, guided tours enhance your time.
