How about being surrounded by one of the largest species ever to have roamed the far corners of our planet? Do feeding tiny elephant calves seem like an activity you would spend hours over? Well then, a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage would soon put you in the mood for a host of exciting trips on offer that will offer you a glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures. Over the years, the species has been constantly threatened with extinction and has been subject to poachers the world over. Even Sri Lanka has seen many instances where elephants have been killed for their ivory. Such acts leave the calves with no means of survival and one could argue that this would invariably lead to the population being threatened with extinction.

Set up in the year 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which covers 10 hectares, undertook the demands of finding and thereafter providing care for orphaned elephants in the wild. Located in the Sabaragamuwa Province and northwest of Kegalle, the village of Pinnawala can easily be accessed by those of you wanting to experience this species in its natural habitat. Possessing over 80 elephants to date, the sanctuary comes across as not merely as a conservation establishment but also as a breeding ground for the animals. Experience the joys of feeding baby elephants in their enclosures and watching them make their way in an orderly fashion to bathe and play in the waters of the Maya Oya.

The mahouts are those persons responsible for caring for these elephants and one may encounter the numerous instances of the animals trying their utmost to play with their masters but to no avail. The river bath is by far the most appealing of scenes at the orphanage and is often frequented by many tourists and locals alike. All elephants live on a staple diet that comprises grass, jackfruit, coconut, and sugar palms. Elephant breeding is also carried out here and once the elephants are old enough they are given to private owners and temples in the vicinity.

The destination will be a good way for the family to spend some quality time together learning about every fascinating detail of the species. Amongst the elephants, one must look out for the ‘Pandu’ which is a calf that has lost one of its ears but can be seen running all over the place. ‘Sama’ comes across as a differently-abled elephant that has lost a portion of one of its front legs. Additionally, a blind elephant by the name of ‘Raja’ can be seen escorted by its two mahouts. The Millennium Elephant Foundation inaugurated for the benefit of working elephants aims to provide medical support and care for the animals.

For those of you on holiday in Sri Lanka and require a different twist to your tropical experience, consult Sri Lankan Dreams who will offer you direct access to the site of the sanctuary. Such tours to Sri Lanka will leave you with a sense of fulfilment and memories you would always look back on fondly.

 

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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