Today I want to share with you my experience at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka and why I believe it’s definitely worth a visit.

Located about two hours away from Colombo, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 to provide care and protection to orphaned elephants. The orphanage started with just five baby elephants and has now grown to over 80 elephants.

The elephants at the orphanage are taken care of by trained mahouts who treat them with love and respect. Visitors can watch the elephants being fed, bathed and even take part in feeding them themselves. It’s truly an incredible experience to see these majestic creatures up close and personal.

One of the highlights of visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the daily elephant parade where the elephants are taken to the nearby river to bathe. Watching the elephants walk together in a line to the river is a sight to behold and is definitely a must-see.

In addition to watching the elephants, the orphanage also has a museum where visitors can learn about the history and conservation efforts of the orphanage. The museum provides a fascinating insight into the lives of these incredible animals and the work being done to protect them.

One thing that I found particularly heartwarming about the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is their commitment to rehabilitating elephants and releasing them back into the wild. The orphanage has successfully released several elephants back into the wild, which is a testament to their dedication to conservation efforts.

Visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is not just a fun experience, it’s also a way to support an important cause. By visiting and paying the entrance fee, you’re contributing to the care and protection of these amazing animals.

It’s important to note that while the elephants are well taken care of, it’s still important to be respectful and mindful of their well-being. It’s recommended to avoid riding the elephants as it can be harmful to their backs.

In conclusion, I highly recommend visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage if you’re in Sri Lanka. It’s an incredible opportunity to see elephants up close, learn about their history and conservation efforts, and support a worthy cause. The experience is truly unforgettable and is a must-do for any animal lover or nature enthusiast.