The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage owns the largest herd of elephants in captivity in the world. It is not only an orphanage, but also a nursery and a captive breeding ground for Asian wild elephants. It was founded in 1975 by the department of wildlife conservation to protect and care for the orphaned and un-weaned wild elephants that are found wandering near the woods. The first baby elephant was born in captivity in 1984 and today there are more than 100 elephants within the premises. To enjoy these jumbos to the maximum, target their feeding times – the baby elephants are fed with huge milk bottles – and when they are taken for their bath in the adjoining stream.
Entrance Fee USD 18.00 per person