Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
“A Living Symbol of Elephant Conservation in Sri Lanka”
Welcome to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wildlife conservation centers and is internationally recognized for its dedicated care and protection of Asian elephants. Established to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned, injured, and abandoned elephants, the orphanage has become a symbol of Sri Lanka’s commitment to elephant conservation and animal welfare.
Visitors to Pinnawala have the unique opportunity to observe elephants at close range while witnessing their daily routines, including feeding, bathing, and social interactions along the nearby river. The institution has also achieved global recognition for its successful captive breeding program, contributing significantly to the conservation of the endangered Asian elephant.
Today, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage serves as both a conservation center and a major tourist attraction, offering unforgettable experiences that educate visitors about elephant behavior, conservation challenges, and the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage
Visitors to Pinnawala have the unique opportunity to observe elephants at close range while witnessing their daily routines, including feeding, bathing, and social interactions along the nearby river. The institution has also achieved global recognition for its successful captive breeding program, contributing significantly to the conservation of the endangered Asian elephant.
Today, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage serves as both a conservation center and a major tourist attraction, offering unforgettable experiences that educate visitors about elephant behavior, conservation challenges, and the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s wildlife heritage
The Legacy of Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Established on 16 February 1975 by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage began with five orphaned elephant calves—Kumari, Neela, Kadira, Vijaya, and Mathali. The orphanage was created to rescue, care for, and protect young elephants that had lost their mothers in the wild.
In 1984, Pinnawala celebrated a historic milestone with the birth of its first calf, Sukumali, marking the beginning of a successful breeding program. Since then, the orphanage has recorded 76 captive births, including the first twin elephant calves born in 2021. Today, Pinnawala remains a leading conservation center dedicated to safeguarding the future of Sri Lankan elephants.
Securing the Future of Sri Lankan Elephants
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage plays a vital role in maintaining a sustainable conservation population of Sri Lankan elephants under protected human care. By providing a safe and natural environment, the orphanage supports breeding, veterinary care, nutrition, and behavioral wellbeing while preserving the genetic heritage of the endangered Asian elephant.
Beyond rehabilitation and public education, Pinnawala serves as an important conservation safeguard for the future. If wild elephant populations decline drastically or disappear, the orphanage holds the long-term responsibility of supporting the reintroduction of elephants into suitable natural habitats, ensuring the survival and continuity of Sri Lanka’s treasured elephant heritage for future generations.
Daily Rhythms of
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Home to a flourishing herd of 65 elephants, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage provides dedicated care and protection for 27 male and 38 female elephants.
| 08.30 am | Orphanage opens for visitors |
| 08.30 am | Main herd moves to the free-roaming area |
| 08.30 am | Small herd (around 7 elephants) departs for the Ma Oya River |
| 09.45 am | Small herd returns to the orphanage premises |
| 10.00 am | Main herd departs for river bathing at Ma Oya |
| 12.00 pm | Main herd returns to the orphanage (free elephant enclosure) |
| 12.00 pm | Small herd departs for bathing at Ma Oya |
| 01.45 pm | Small herd returns to the orphanage premises |
| 02.00 pm | Main herd departs again for river bathing at Ma Oya |
| 04.00 pm | Main herd returns to the orphanage premises |
| 05.00 pm | Ticket counter closes |
| 06.00 pm | Orphanage closes for visitors |
Become A Volunteer
Your day with us doesn’t have to end here! You can join our volunteer programs for a hands-on experience with the elephants, or even take part in exciting research projects and learn more about these gentle giants up close
Ticket prices
| Local Children (Under 12) | Rs. 118.00 |
| Local Adults (Over 12) | Rs. 295.00 |
| School Children (Group of 20+) | Rs. 59.00 |
| Foreign Adults | USD 17.70 |
| Foreign Children | USD 8.85 |
| SAARC Foreign Adults (3 to 12 years) | USD 11.80 |
| SAARC Foreign Children (3 to 12 years) | USD 5.90 |
Combined Ticket Prices
Enjoy more with a single ticket! These tickets give you access to both the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the Pinnawala Zoo, making your visit even more memorable.
| Foreign Adults | USD 17.70 |
| Foreign Children | USD 8.85 |
| SAARC Foreign Adults (3 to 12 years) | USD 11.80 |
| SAARC Foreign Children (3 to 12 years) | USD 5.90 |
Special Programmes
Feeding Elephants
Visitors can enjoy the unforgettable experience of feeding the elephants by purchasing a fruit basket for Rs. 590.00. Passes for this activity are available at the feeding area, and the program begins at 9.15 am each day. It continues until the day’s fruit supply is finished or until 2.00 pm.
Elephant Bathing
Another highlight is the chance to bathe an elephant in the Ma Oya River. For Rs. 885.00 per pass, each visitor will have 10 minutes to join this unique experience. Passes can be purchased at the eight issuing points located at Ma Oya. The program operates daily from 9.15 am to 11.45 am and again from 2.15 pm to 3.45 pm. However, on days of heavy rain, this activity may be suspended without prior notice for safety reasons.
Elephant Walk
The Elephant Walk offers visitors the opportunity to walk alongside an elephant for 10 minutes. A ticket for this experience costs Rs. 1,180.00 and can be purchased at the entrance counter. The program is available daily from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Park Rules & Regulations
Pet Animals / Musical Instruments
Do not bring any kind of pet animal to the zoo premises. Any noise producing instruments (Drums, Symbols, Whistles, JBL etc.) are not allowed at the premises.
Plastic & Polythene
Bringing plastic and polythene to the Zoo is strictly prohibited. Please discard your trash to the proper bins.
Smoking / Alcohol
Smoking, Alcoholic beverages and any type of narcotics are prohibited in the Zoo premises.
Safety First
Unauthorized contacts with Zoo animals may cause injury. Do not enter to the unauthorized areas and construction sites. No climbing on barriers or walls.
Animal Harassments & fine
If a visitor is found harassing an animal, they will face either eviction from the zoo or a fine determine by the severity of the incident.
Safety of Your Belongings
Always keep your belongings in your custody. Please do not leave them at public areas without any protection. Make sure your wallets, mobiles & other valuable items are secure when you are walking along the crowded pathways. The zoo will not be responsible for any goods lost.
Scammers / Unauthorized Guides
Do not give money to any person if you are not provided a guide service officially. The zoo will not take any responsibility in any adversity arisen in such a situation.
Animal Interaction Program
You can feed animals with our animal interaction program. No other feeding is allowed.
Department of National
Zoological Gardens
120 Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha,
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka
Mon – Sun: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
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