Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO), as the name suggests, has a unique approach to ex-situ animal care. Its success and fame have spread not only within the country, but also around the world, to the point where Pinnawala has become synonymous with the Sri Lankan Elephant. On February 16, 1975, the late Hon. Minister Kalugalle realised the concept, which is now home to 93 elephants. Pinnawala was a very remote area at the time, with lush coconut plantations and, most importantly, a plentiful supply of mahouts. The elephants’ need for water is also
supplemented by the availability of “Ma oya” running nearby.