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Elephants bathing in the Maha Oya River at Pinnawala

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Elephants in a beautiful environment

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Elephants in a beautiful environment

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a renowned Sri Lankan destination dedicated to the care and conservation of orphaned wild elephants.
  • World’s Largest Captive Elephant Herd: Pinnawala houses the largest herd of captive elephants globally. In 2023, there were 71 elephants, including 30 males and 41 females, living there.
  • Focus on Orphaned and Wounded Elephants: The orphanage was established to care for and protect orphaned and injured wild elephants. These elephants are often found abandoned or hurt in Sri Lanka’s forests.
  • Successful Breeding Program: Pinnawala has a highly successful elephant breeding program, with 75 captive births recorded by 2023. The first birth occurred in 1984, and 17 births were recorded in 2011 alone.
  • Twin Elephant Birth in 2021: On August 31, 2021, a 25-year-old elephant named Surangi gave birth to twin male baby elephants. This was the first twin elephant birth in Sri Lanka in 80 years.
  • Daily Elephant River Bathing: Visitors can observe the elephants being herded twice daily to the Maha Oya River for bathing. This offers a unique and close-up view of their natural behavior.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Free

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Kegalle

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

Tourists watching baby elephants play in water
Elephant herd walking towards the river in Pinnawala
Scenic view of Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage grounds
Caretakers feeding elephants at Pinnawala Orphanage

Guidelines

Respect Elephant Feeding & Bathing Times: These events follow a fixed schedule and missing them means losing the chance to see the elephants up close. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good viewing spot. (09.15, 13.15, 17.00 Bottle feeding) (10.00-12.00, 14.00-16.00 River bathing time) Maintain a Safe Distance: Getting too close can stress the elephants or even provoke unexpected behavior. Use zoom lenses for photography and always stay behind barriers. Do Not Feed or Touch Elephants Without Permission: Unsupervised interaction can be harmful to both you and the animals. Wait for a caretaker’s guidance before approaching any elephant. Avoid Loud Noises & Sudden Movements: Elephants are sensitive to sound and movement, which can agitate them. Speak softly and move calmly to ensure a peaceful visit.