Calling all the Elephant lovers! In the heart of Sri Lanka, a noble cause is unfolding to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures. ? ?
The Department of Wildlife Conservation in Sri Lanka is on a dedicated mission to safeguard elephants and provide them with a safe haven in the country’s pristine wildlife sanctuaries. However, the challenges are immense. Factors such as rapid development, deforestation, historical conflicts, and more have left Sri Lanka’s elephants vulnerable. Many find themselves in distressing situations, from diseases and accidents to young calves separated from their mothers, requiring the intervention of dedicated wildlife officials.
One significant issue has been the resort to Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary as a refuge for these animals in the past. While this sanctuary has provided care, it has also led to the domestication of elephants, especially the younger ones, which has adverse effects on the wild elephant population.
To address this, the Sri Lankan wildlife department has embarked on an ambitious program to rescue these elephants and reintroduce them into their natural habitats. This remarkable initiative has given rise to the Udawala Elephant Shelter, providing a new lease on life for these majestic beings. ??
Yet, some elephants may never fully return to the wild due to injuries or other complications. For such cases, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage remains a sanctuary of last resort. One such elephant is ‘Raja,’ a poignant example of an elephant who captured the hearts of the Pinnawala Orphanage.
The story of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage traces back to a baby elephant that once resided in the official residence of Mr. Kapila Pathirana Wimaladharma, the Governor General of Kegalle between 1972-1975. Meanwhile, Udawalawe Elephant Shelter’s genesis can be traced to a 2 1/2 month-old female elephant named ‘Komali,’ found injured in 1995 in Kokabe, North West Province. Her journey inspired the inception of Udawalawe Elephant Sanctuary.
The Udawalawe Elephant Shelter commenced operations on October 06, 1995, thanks to the vision of Dr. Nandana Athapatthu, Deputy Director of Wildlife at the time, with full support from the Director General of Wildlife, N.W. Dissanayake, and former Prime Minister Mr. Ratnasiri Wickramanayake. Initially, both baby and adult elephants received treatment and rehabilitation here, though it now exclusively cares for orphaned baby elephants. To date, the shelter has provided refuge to 158 elephants.
The cost of caring for a single baby elephant in the shade of these caring institutions exceeds 200 $ US per month, covering expenses such as food, medicines, and vitamins. Under the foster parent system, individuals can contribute to the well-being of a young elephant and, in return, provide a name of their choice for the elephant calf.
You can be part of this compassionate effort! By becoming a foster parent, you directly support the care and nurturing of these young elephants as they prepare for a return to their natural habitat. ??
For more information or to participate in this noble cause, please contact:
? More Details: +94 112 888585, +94 472232147 ❤️
