Authorities Prioritise Safeguarding Elephants and Tourists-By Sulochana Ramiah Mohan
Source:Ceylontoday
Elephants, the gentle giants, have long captured the hearts of Western tourists, who often encounter them in zoos rather than their natural habitats like in Sri Lanka or across Asia. However, as these majestic creatures gain global attention, questions arise among Westerners about the practice of chaining elephants, viewing it as potential animal cruelty. While isolated incidents have sparked concern, they do not reflect the broader context of elephant conservation and breeding efforts in Sri Lanka. At the forefront of this narrative lies the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, nestled along the Kandy Road, offering a unique tale of preservation, protection and State-ordered care for these remarkable animals.
For the mahouts and workers at Pinnawala, these 69 elephants are not orphans but elephants of three generations under their care. Although they came from the wild, they are under their direct care. They refrain from simply labelling them “orphans,” as this special place offers them more than just shelter. Here, they enjoy comforts such as adequate food, healthcare and the freedom to roam about, including access to the river, all within a 26-acre sanctuary surrounded by hills and valleys, resembling their natural habitat.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage serves as both a conservation centre and a breeding sanctuary. Remarkably, one of the elephants there has recently given birth to twins, now a year old. This extraordinary occurrence and nurturing environment has been provided at Pinnawala.
In this captivating setting, the elephants roam freely, often crossing the roads to reach the river for their twice-daily joy baths. Interacting with visitors has become a part of their daily routine, forming a beautiful circle of life. Each elephant at Pinnawala follows its own rhythm; they are cared for meticulously, including feeding sessions which also offer tourists a unique opportunity for a firsthand experience of feeding these majestic creatures and capturing memories.
Some foreign visitors may express discomfort seeing elephants chained at the orphanage, unaware of the reasons behind this practice. Local tourists, on the other hand, are more understanding, recognising it as part of how these majestic creatures are cared for.
Primarily, chaining is implemented for the safety of both visitors and elephants. The facility was established to prevent wild elephants from sustaining injuries and to safeguard them from wandering in the wilderness. Foreigners have never raised concerns about chains being used, but social media users who have never been to the location have been crying foul, which had grabbed the attention of certain tourists.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 with just five elephants. Initially managed by the Wildlife Department, it later came under the supervision of the National Zoological Gardens. However, unlike traditional zoos, the elephants here are allowed to live in a natural habitat, resembling their life in the wilderness.
According to Deputy Director at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, U.G. Mihiran Medawala, the area has become their true habitat gradually. The elephants have adapted well to their surroundings, evidenced by the birth of twins and five other calves, indicating a natural population growth. Remarkably, 75 baby elephants have been born in this unique sanctuary.
“The elephants born at Pinnawala were not the result of artificial breeding; they experienced a natural breeding environment. Despite being considered captive animals, they thrive in conditions conducive to their natural instincts. Remarkably, the elephants at Pinnawala represent the third generation, spanning the 49 years since its establishment. Among them are grandmothers, grandfathers, sisters and brothers, creating a familial bond within the herd.”
Only two elephants have passed away at Pinnawala, a testament to the successful conservation efforts and care provided at the sanctuary.
The first elephant to be born at Pinnawala arrived in 1984, after the successful adoption of natural behaviours by the animals in the sanctuary. Contrary to common belief, the initial five elephants were not juveniles; they were adult animals. Typically, animals do not breed if they don’t have a considerable population to mingle with, they need at least 50 of them to be around.
In recent times, the influx of wild elephants into Pinnawala has diminished due to the establishment and operation of the Udawalawe Sanctuary, which caters to wild elephants. As a result, the number of elephants brought to Pinnawala has decreased significantly. However, the elephants currently at Pinnawala represent a generation that has been bred and raised within the sanctuary’s confines.
What is unique is that, unlike caring for stranded baby elephants in Udawalawe, the elephants at Pinnawala can reverse the endangered status of their kind. This situation is reminiscent of the success story of pandas in China, where conservation efforts have reversed their endangered status and led to a thriving population. Similarly, Sri Lankan elephants belong to a distinct subspecies of Asian elephants known as Elephas maximus maximus, exclusively found in Sri Lanka. This unique breed, along with Sri Lanka’s native leopards, features the country’s rich biodiversity.
Looking ahead, if wild elephant populations continue to decline due to poaching or habitat loss, the Pinnawala Elephants could potentially serve as a crucial site for reintroducing and safeguarding these magnificent creatures. That has been the focus for Sri Lanka as a country.
The Pinnawala Elephant Conservation is now focusing on the intention of breeding and potentially releasing elephants into the wild if the need arises. However, this process will not happen in the near future and will require careful planning and consideration. Nonetheless, the sanctuary stands ready to serve as a resource to fill gaps in wild elephant populations if necessary, which would serve a noble purpose for the park.
Amidst the endangered status of Asian elephants, there has been a successful reversal of the leopard population’s decline in Sri Lanka. According to officials, there appears to be a growing population of elephants in Sri Lanka, indicating positive conservation efforts.
While conservation remains the primary focus, the Pinnawala Elephant Conservation also caters to tourism, which was introduced around 1989. The Government has consistently provided welfare and funding for the sanctuary, ensuring the well-being of the elephants even during challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic when visitor numbers decreased. The tourism aspect also generates additional income for the State.
With 69 elephants housed on 26 acres of land, the sanctuary incurs expenses of around Rs 15,000 per day per elephant, covering costs such as kithul, coconut, breadfruit, jackfruit and grass. The income generated goes back to the State, which then allocates funds through annual budgetary allocations. Typically, dairy milk is not provided as there are mothers feeding young ones, and babies start consuming solid food at six to seven months old.
Foster parents
Elephant fostering programmes operate smoothly at Pinnawala, where individuals can contribute funds to support a selected elephant. Interested visitors can choose an elephant, and Pinnawala officials will allocate the necessary funds monthly and annually for the chosen animal. While there hasn’t been much interest lately in fostering elephants, locals come forward to fund or adopt in most cases.
For smaller elephants, approximately Rs 13,000 per day is required. Local tourists often step up to fund a week for these elephants without any issues. On becoming foster parents, Pinnawala issues a certificate of appreciation to recognise their contribution. All the elephants at Pinnawala are named, and individuals have the opportunity to sponsor any amount towards their care. Sponsors can pay the assessed cost at the counter or online, though many prefer to visit the sanctuary in person. Some generous contributors donate over Rs 100,000 for the welfare of the animals. As visitor numbers increase, so does the funding for the sanctuary, ensuring the continued well-being of the elephants.
Chaining elephants not cruel
Chaining of elephants is a practice employed at Pinnawala for specific reasons. Male elephants that display excessive aggression may have chains loosely hung around their necks, which can easily be released if needed. These chains serve as a form of protection, allowing immediate restraint in case of emergencies, such as when an elephant begins running uncontrollably. It’s obvious that Pinnawala is not a zoo; it’s a habitat where elephants roam freely.
Even during normal times, some elephants are routinely chained, particularly those requiring medical care, as mahouts and doctors need to approach them closely. Unlike in foreign countries where elephants may be kept indoors in confined spaces, Pinnawala provides a more open environment. In Western facilities, animals are often housed in rooms with controlled temperatures, resembling cages. However, Pinnawala practices a balance of taming and allowing freedom for the elephants, recognising the necessity of occasionally chaining them for their well-being and the safety of visitors and staff.
As elephants roam freely, it’s essential to take precautionary measures, especially considering it’s a human encroachment into their habitat. When elephants venture to the river, they traverse through the town and village to reach the river, and their behaviour can vary unpredictably. Elephants are intelligent creatures with distinct moods, making it challenging to judge their actions.
Not all elephants are chained; typically, it’s the males that exhibit aggression. Out of the 25 bulls at Pinnawala, around 15 are chained as a precautionary measure due to their potential for aggression. This practice primarily involves adult males, particularly those in musth, a period of heightened testosterone levels, during which some elephants can become aggressive and require closer attention. Females, on the other hand, are generally not aggressive and do not require chaining.
Elephants aged 12 and above, particularly bulls, can exhibit aggression. Young adult elephants tend to be mischievous and enjoy running. Currently, no elephants are given away to individuals; they remain under the custody of the State, which determines their management. Additionally, some elephants are under judicial custody, with approximately eight of them segregated from the main herd.
Negative publicity linked to ‘Muthuraja’
Sri Lankan elephants are not subject to the same treatment as elephants in other Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, where instances of cruelty towards elephants for tourism purposes have been reported. In Sri Lanka, elephants are treated with care and respect, and there is a commitment to their welfare.
However, Sri Lanka has come under the spotlight due to incidents like the recent case of a gifted elephant ‘Muthuraja’ from Thailand being neglected and subsequently returned, which was then used by the Thai authorities to promote tourism. Unfortunately, such incidents can unfairly tarnish the reputation of Sri Lanka as a whole, projecting an image of mistreatment that does not accurately represent reality.
It’s challenging to counter such negative propaganda, especially in foreign languages, as it requires effective communication and outreach efforts. While English is often used to express Sri Lanka’s side of the story, there may still be limitations in reaching diverse audiences worldwide. Despite these challenges, efforts should continue to promote the ethical treatment of elephants in Sri Lanka and address any misconceptions that may arise.
The elephants at Pinnawala can be considered fortunate compared to those in the wild, where they may face injuries during conservation efforts like in Udawalawe. At Pinnawala, elephants are chipped and closely monitored, ensuring their health and well-being. The use of chains and sticks by mahouts is not intended to harm the animals but rather to discipline and control them. Each mahout, responsible for about 30 elephants, carries a stick with a prick, primarily used to instill fear and maintain control over the animals.
People need to understand that caring for elephants does not involve injuring them. The linkage between tourism and elephants requires caution, and efforts are made to respond to both positive and negative reviews, especially on platforms like Tripadvisor and Facebook. Rules and regulations, as outlined in State circulars, govern the handling of elephants, including their food plan, which is meticulously planned to ensure their health and nutrition. Despite some concerns from European markets regarding the chaining of elephants, it’s important to educate visitors about the necessity of such practices for the safety and well-being of the animals.
TUI AG and TUI Travel, a leading German leisure, travel and tourism company, which is the largest such company in the world, has highlighted the issue of “elephant cruelty.” TUI Care Foundation funds come from the generosity of travellers across the globe to support animals worldwide. They said the human-elephant conflict occurs when humans and elephants share land in Sri Lanka.
It is challenging to communicate effectively with diverse nationalities to explain what is happening at Pinnawala. It is due to large crowds and the language barrier, but efforts such as providing QR codes and video clips for self-learning helps enhance visitors’ understanding of elephant care practices. Ultimately, the welfare of elephants remains a top priority, and measures are continually taken to ensure their health and happiness at Pinnawala.
“To address negative publicity, we utilise Google Translate to understand and respond to queries from visitors. Additionally, we have an education centre where visitors can learn more about elephant care and conservation. While registered tour guides are knowledgeable about our practices, many unregistered guides may not be well-informed.”
“Each year, we conduct education sessions for registered guides. Information about elephants is primarily available in English pamphlets, although not all visitors take the time to read or understand them,” the Deputy Director said.
“Chaining is necessary to safely transport elephants to the river and prevent them from being confined to sheds, which is not conducive to conservation efforts or breeding initiatives at Pinnawala. When elephants cross roads, Police security is deployed to ensure safety. Tragically, three mahouts have been killed by elephants in the past. Despite their close bond, elephants may still act on their animal instincts. We need to prioritise the safety of foreigners and then the elephants themselves.”
In contrast to Thailand, where the situation may be more challenging, only a few elephants are used for the perahera in Sri Lanka. Pinnawala provides them with our experienced mahouts, and changing their attitude towards unfamiliar situations typically doesn’t take much time. ‘Muthuraja’ does not represent all elephants in Sri Lanka. It was indeed unfortunate, but this has affected people’s perceptions about how elephants are treated in the country, particularly at Pinnawala, which is recognised globally as a unique breeding centre for captive elephants. Interestingly, Muthuraja has become an iconic tourist attraction in Thailand, where they have effectively marketed themselves based on his story back in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s human-elephant conflict primarily stems from agricultural issues, unlike in other countries where it’s often driven by the demand for ivory. “Importantly, elephants are not subject to cruelty in this country, as seen in some other nations. For farmers, elephants are considered pests, akin to flies or insects, but in the tourism sector, we utilise them for ecotourism purposes.”
Nowadays, there are hotels offering tree house accommodations where guests can watch elephants in their natural habitat at night, further enhancing the eco-tourism experience, and a positive approach to coexisting with and appreciating these magnificent creatures sustainably.
Pinnawala has sheds and a chain is placed around the elephant’s neck only at night. They are also chained when in musth. Social media users tend to jump to conclusions about elephant breeding, without conducting a thorough analysis.
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