Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – A Day with Sri Lanka’s Gentle Giants Source : travelwire.lk Nestled on the banks of the Maha Oya River in the lush heart of Sri Lanka, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a sanctuary where visitors can witness the heartwarming care provided to orphaned elephants. This unique destination offers an intimate experience, allowing you to watch these majestic giants up close, especially during the much-anticipated river bathing sessions. Let’s dive into what makes Pinnawala a must-visit, whether you’re a foreign tourist or a Sri Lankan adventurer. A Heartfelt Story of Elephant Conservation Founded in 1975 by the Sri Lankan government, Pinnawala started with just five orphaned elephants. Today, it has grown into a large sanctuary with over 80 elephants, each with a story of survival, resilience, and care. These elephants, many rescued from the wild due to abandonment, injury, or conflict, are given a new lease on life here. ...

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Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage Celebrates Its 50th Year-by Amal Jayasinghe Source:Thuppahis Amal Jayasinghe, in The Island, Sunday Edn, with Pics by Ishara Kodikara and this title “Sri Lanka’s first elephant orphanage celebrates 50 years”  Sri Lanka’s main elephant orphanage marked its 50th anniversary on Sunday February 16 with a fruit feast for the 68 jumbos at the showpiece centre, reputedly the world’s first care home for destitute pachyderms. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage lavished pineapples, bananas, melons and cucumbers on its residents to celebrate the anniversary of their home, which is a major tourist attraction. A few officials and tourists invited to the low-key celebration were served milk rice and traditional sweets while four generations of elephants born in captivity frolicked in the nearby Maha Oya river. “The first birth at this orphanage was in 1984, and since then, there have been a total of 76,” said chief curator Sanjaya Ratnayake, as the elephants returned from their daily ...

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Sri Lanka’s Elephant Orphanages: Guardians of the Gentle Giants – By Nadeeka – eLanka Sri Lanka is renowned for its majestic elephants, but sadly, many of these gentle giants face threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Fortunately, several elephant orphanages across the country have stepped up to provide care and sanctuary for orphaned and injured elephants. Let’s take a closer look at these remarkable institutions and the vital role they play in elephant conservation. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: Located in the picturesque town of Pinnawala, this renowned orphanage was established in 1975 and is one of the largest elephant orphanages in the world. Here, visitors can witness the daily routines of the elephants, including bathing in the nearby river and feeding times. The orphanage also conducts valuable research and conservation efforts aimed at protecting Sri Lanka’s elephant population. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home: Situated near Udawalawe National Park, this transit ...

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Govt. to set up night safari park at Pinnawela Source:Island The government would shortly set up a night safari park at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, an official said.Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday assured representatives from the tourism sector and foreign delegates that he would take necessary steps to set up a night safari. (IN) ...

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