Pinnawala: Sri Lanka’s Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage marked its 50th anniversary on Sunday with a special fruit feast for its 68 resident elephants. The landmark event celebrated five decades of the world's first care home for orphaned elephants, with pineapples, bananas, melons, and cucumbers served to the majestic creatures.
Located in the coconut groves of Pinnawala, the elephant orphanage is home to elephants born in captivity and has witnessed several milestones in its half-century history. Chief curator Sanjaya Ratnayake shared, "The first birth at this orphanage was in 1984, and since then, there have been a total of 76 births." The facility now hosts four generations of elephants, ranging from an 18-month-old calf to a 70-year-old matriarch.
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Humble beginnings to global fame
The orphanage began as a smaller facility in Bentota in 1973, before moving to its current location in 1975. Over the years, the orphanage has evolved into a prominent tourist attraction and a significant revenue generator for Sri Lanka, drawing millions in entrance fees. Visitors can watch elephants during bath times or even interact with them.
"Since the orphanage was set up at Pinnawala in 1975, the animals have had more space to roam, with good weather and plenty of food available," said Ratnayake. The centre requires 14,500 kilos of coconut and palm tree leaves daily to meet the elephants' dietary needs.
The orphanage has also made strides in breeding elephants, with its first twin birth recorded in 2021, a rare occurrence for Asian elephants. The facility’s success in breeding has helped maintain a thriving population of elephants and has contributed to their conservation.
Human-Elephant conflict still a concern
While Pinnawala is celebrated as a success, Sri Lanka continues to face challenges in managing human-elephant conflict. In 2023, 450 elephants and 150 humans lost their lives due to clashes, as elephants raided crops in rural areas. Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody expressed confidence that the government’s new measures, including electric fences and trenches, would reduce the conflict.
Elephants hold significant cultural value in Sri Lanka, particularly in Buddhism, where they are revered as a symbol of strength and wisdom. The government has made it a criminal offence to harm or kill elephants, yet the ongoing human-elephant conflict remains a pressing issue.
Agency
Published: 20 Feb 2025, 01:21 pm IST
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