Initially created to protect abandoned or orphaned elephants, this is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular attractions. It’s a highly commercialised experience, Sure, you get up close to elephants and see them bathing, but the orphanage’s conservation value is questionable and organisations including Born Free (www.bornfree.org.uk) have published negative critiques of the centre. Overall, national parks are the best places to see Sri Lankan elephants.
There are up to 100 elephants here, of all ages. The creatures are largely well looked after, but experts have expressed concern over the amount of contact elephants have with the public and the fact that the facility has been used for breeding, contrary to its status as an orphanage. Over 70 baby elephants have been born in captivity here and none returned to the wild.
