Last Sunday, on February 16th, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka celebrated its 50th anniversary since establishment with a vibrant fruit feast for its 68 resident elephants. This special occasion was marked by a colorful event to commemorate the milestone.
Located approximately 90 kilometers north of the capital city Colombo, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage spans across 10 hectares of land. Established by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in 1975, it was the world’s first elephant orphanage. The institution is dedicated to caring for young elephants who have lost their parents in the jungle, especially those who are injured or ill.
In 1984, the orphanage welcomed its first baby elephant. To date, they have nurtured a total of 76 elephants, ranging from as young as 18 months old to as old as 70 years.
Due to the large size and immense appetite of Asian elephants, the staff at the orphanage prepare approximately 14,500 kilograms of coconut leaves, palm leaves, and various types of foliage for them daily. Additionally, extra nutrition such as grains, rice bran, corn, lots of fruits, and milk are provided for the young and weaker elephants.
To alleviate the financial burden on the government, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage regularly opens its doors to visitors, where some trained elephants also perform shows. Today, it has become a popular local attraction, generating ticket revenues in the millions of dollars annually. Visitors not only have the opportunity to observe the elephants from a distance but also interact closely with them, feeding them and even helping with bathing during their daily routines.
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