The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a popular tourist attraction located in the town of Pinnawala, Sri Lanka. Established in 1975, the orphanage is home to over 80 elephants, many of which were rescued as calves from the wild or from other captive situations. The orphanage is a sanctuary for the elephants, providing them with a safe and secure environment where they can be cared for and rehabilitated. Visitors to the orphanage can observe the elephants up close and learn about their behavior, diet, and daily routines.
One of the main attractions at the orphanage is the daily elephant bathing ritual. Visitors can watch as the elephants are led to the nearby river for their daily baths, which is a delightful sight to see. The elephants also have access to a large grazing area, where they can roam freely and interact with each other.
In addition to the elephants, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage also has a small museum where visitors can learn about the history of the orphanage and the importance of elephant conservation in Sri Lanka.
Overall, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a unique and rewarding experience for visitors to Sri Lanka, providing an opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close and learn about their conservation efforts.