Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ Sri Lanka’s Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage marked its 50th anniversary this year, a momentous occasion celebrated with a special fruit feast for the 68 elephants that reside there. Recognized as the world’s first sanctuary for orphaned and abandoned elephants, the facility has become a renowned landmark for animal lovers and tourists alike. To commemorate the golden jubilee, the elephants were treated to an array of fruits, including pineapples, bananas, melons, and cucumbers. The celebration was attended by a few invited officials and tourists. Guests were served traditional milk rice and sweets as they watched the elephants enjoy their fruits. Four generations of elephants born at the orphanage gathered and frolicked in the nearby Maha Oya river, marking another year of success for this unique institution.
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Chief curator Sanjaya Ratnayake shared that the first elephant born at Pinnawala was in 1984, and since then, 76 elephants have been born at the orphanage. “This has been a highly successful breeding program,” Ratnayake said. “Today, we have elephants ranging in age from 18 months to 70 years, with four generations now living here.” Additionally, videos posted on the Department of National Zoological Gardens’ official Facebook account showed the elephants enjoying a special cake, which was cut and shared by the staff. Visitors also participated in feeding the elephants, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. The post from the Department of National Zoological Gardens noted, “Join us as we mark 50 years of dedication, love, and care for these incredible elephants. It’s been an unforgettable journey, and we couldn’t have done it without the support of all our visitors, partners, and elephant lovers around the world.”
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The orphanage has continued to thrive, with the facility recording its first twin birth in August 2021. This rare occurrence among Asian elephants marked another significant milestone for the institution. Both calves from this birth are reported to be in good health, further contributing to the orphanage’s reputation as a model for elephant conservation. Before the establishment of the orphanage in its current location at Pinnawala in 1975, five orphaned elephants were cared for at a smaller facility in Bentota, a resort town in the south. At Pinnawala, the elephants now have more space to roam in a lush coconut grove, benefiting from a favorable climate and abundant food supply.
According to Ratnayake, the elephants consume vast quantities of foliage, including 14,500 kilos of coconut and palm leaves, to satisfy their dietary needs. Additionally, tonnes of fruit and milk are supplied to the younger elephants. Additionally, Pinnawala is not only an animal sanctuary but also a significant source of income for the Sri Lankan government, generating millions of dollars annually from entrance fees. Tourists flock to the orphanage to observe the elephants’ daily routine, which includes bottle-feeding of calves, feeding of adult elephants, and watching the elephants bathe in the river. Visitors can also interact more closely with the elephants by assisting with their bathing sessions.
While the orphanage has become a success, it was not always as well-equipped as it is today. Retired senior mahout K.G. Sumanabanda, who has worked with elephants for over three decades, recalled the early days when the orphanage lacked running water and electricity. Sumanabanda was present for the first birth at Pinnawala in 1984 and played a key role in training more than 60 mahouts throughout his career. His work and experiences are still valued by temples and individuals who care for domesticated elephants. As the orphanage celebrates its achievements, it also reflects the broader challenges facing Sri Lanka’s elephant population. The island is experiencing an ongoing human-elephant conflict, particularly in areas bordering traditional wildlife sanctuaries.
Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody reported that in 2023, 450 elephants and 150 people lost their lives in clashes, a concerning continuation of fatalities from previous years. The government is determined to address this issue by implementing measures to prevent elephants from crossing into villages, including electric fences and other deterrents. Despite the challenges, elephants remain a national treasure in Sri Lanka, revered not only for their ecological importance but also for their cultural significance, especially in Buddhism. While Pinnawala marks its 50th anniversary with pride, it serves as both a symbol of hope for elephant conservation and a reminder of the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in Sri Lanka. The work of the orphanage continues to be a beacon of dedication and care for these magnificent creatures, offering a model for other elephant sanctuaries around the world.
