Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage | AmazingLanka.com

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Home to the largest herd of captive elephants in the world, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a rare chance to witness gentle giants up close. From bottle-feeding playful calves to watching herds bathe in the river, it’s a heartwarming experience that showcases the bond between people and elephants in Sri Lanka.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage—Opening Hours (2025)

Description	Details
Open Days	365 days of the year including public holidays and poya days
Opening Hours	8.30 AM – 6.00 PM (The ticket counter closes at 5 PM.)
Special Event Time Lines	09.15 hours – Bottle feeding 10.00 hours – Herd departing to the river 12.00 hours – Return from the river 13.15 hours – Bottle feeding 14.00 hours—Herd departing to the river 16.00 hours – Return from the river 17.00 hours – Bottle feeding

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage—Ticket Prices/Entrance Fees (2025)

Description (an 18% VAT will be added to the ticket price)	Price per Head
Foreign – Adult	USD 15.00
Foreign – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 7.50
Foreign (SAARC) – Adult	USD 10.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 5.00
Local – Adult	LKR 250
Local – Children (3-12 Years)	LKR 100

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage + Zoo —Combined Ticket Prices/Entrance Fees (2025)

Description (an 18% VAT will be added to the ticket price)	Price per Head
Foreign – Adult	USD 20.00
Foreign – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 10.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Adult	USD 10.00
Foreign (SAARC) – Children (3-12 Years)	USD 5.00

Map of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

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A Orphanage Like No Other

Though the term Elephant Orphanage may sound unusual at first, it refers to a very real and unique concept—a dedicated sanctuary that offers a natural habitat for orphaned elephants, ranging from newborn calves to elephants in their fifties. This exceptional haven is home to a herd of elephants unlike any other group found in a single location on earth.

Origins of Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Located in Sri Lanka, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 on a nine-hectare stretch of former coconut plantation land. It began with just seven orphaned elephants. Over time, those original residents have produced second and even third generations, continuing the legacy of the orphanage.

Although the site has become a popular tourist attraction, its current focus extends well beyond tourism. Today, Pinnawala functions as a center for elephant conservation, education, and research.

Breeding and Habitat

With guidance from both local and international experts, Pinnawala launched a scientific breeding program in captivity. The open, natural environment allows elephants the freedom to roam and form bonds, facilitating natural mating behaviors.

The nearby Maha Oya river plays a central role in the lives of these elephants. Its flowing waters allow the animals to socialize, choose partners, and enjoy their daily baths. The orphanage made history when the first calf born in captivity was named Kumar, marking a major milestone in the program.

Rescued from Danger

Most of the elephants in Pinnawala were rescued as infants after tragic encounters with either humans or natural hazards. Many fell victim to environmental challenges, such as getting trapped in muddy fields while searching desperately for water.

A Structured Daily Routine

Each day at Pinnawala follows a carefully organized schedule. Gates open to visitors at 8:30 a.m., followed by the first bottle-feeding session for baby elephants at 9:15 a.m. After feeding, the elephants are led to a nearby valley on the eastern side of the orphanage, where they roam freely, often taking dust or mud baths.

Around 10:00 a.m., the herd makes its way to the river for a long and refreshing bath. Maha Oya, the third largest river in Sri Lanka by volume, offers an ideal setting with its rocky bottom and shallow pools. Even during the dry months of February, July, and August, the river provides a steady water flow—although levels may vary in June and November.

By 1:15 p.m., it’s time for another milk feeding for the calves and a pellet meal for the adults. The elephants return to the river at 2:00 p.m., where they bathe until about 4:00 p.m., after which they head back to their shelters.

Dinner for the elephants consists of various types of foliage, including Kitul Palm, Coconut Palm, Jak, and other large plant species. On average, a mature elephant consumes around 300 kilograms of foliage and drinks approximately 200 liters of water daily. Baby elephants are bottle-fed with 5.5 liters of Formula II milk per feeding, totaling about 27.5 liters a day, with additional meals at night depending on their age and health.

A Growing Family

Each year, more orphaned elephants arrive at Pinnawala, contributing to its growing population and expanding family tree. The orphanage has recorded sixteen births to date, with only one stillbirth over its first 24 years of operation—a remarkable record in captive breeding.

The orphanage is set against a backdrop of lush tropical rainforest that rises over coconut and Kumbuk trees, adding to the serene atmosphere. In recent years, the elephants have continued to reproduce, with at least two new births occurring annually—a number expected to grow in the future.

Stories of Resilience

Among the many elephants at Pinnawala, some stand out due to their unique conditions. Raja, a blind tusker with tusks over 1.2 meters long, is an impressive sight—so majestic in appearance that visitors might not realize he is visually impaired.

Kiri Menika, a nine-year-old female, relies solely on milk due to a throat condition that prevents her from swallowing solid food. Another resident, Sama, a six-year-old female, was found wandering in pain with a severely injured foreleg. Thanks to timely medical care, she survived, although her injured leg is now shorter, causing her to limp as most of her body weight rests on one side.

Visitor Experience

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage also ensures a comfortable and informative experience for visitors. The site includes restaurants, nearby hotels, a museum, and a laboratory for those eager to learn more about elephant behavior and care. Informational brochures and documentation are available at reasonable prices.