The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage celebrated International Elephant Day yesterday (12) with a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about elephant conservation and showcasing their vital role in Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage.
The event featured a specially prepared kiribath (milk rice) made from various grains, alongside a fruit feast for the elephants. Visiting foreign tourists were given the unique opportunity to feed the elephants themselves, adding a memorable highlight to the celebrations.
Student groups also took part in cleaning the orphanage premises and bathing the elephants, reinforcing the importance of care and respect for these majestic animals.
Home to 66 elephants, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has become a major attraction for local and international visitors, significantly contributing to both national and regional economies. Beyond tourism, the facility serves as a safeguard for the future of Sri Lanka’s elephants, ensuring their survival as a protected herd should wild populations face extinction.
International Elephant Day, observed annually on August 12, brings global attention to the need for preserving elephant species and their habitats, reminding the world of its shared responsibility to protect these gentle giants
