Sri Lanka’s first elephant orphanage, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a grand fruit feast for its 68 resident elephants. The golden jubilee celebration underscored the orphanage’s decades-long commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and conserving orphaned and injured elephants.
Set up in 1975, Pinnawala has become a world symbol of elephant conservation, drawing hundreds of visitors every year. The fruit feast, including bananas, watermelons, pineapples, and sugarcane, was a special indulgence for the jumbos, reflecting the orphanage’s commitment to their welfare.
Officials highlighted the orphanage’s role in elephant conservation, breeding schemes, and awareness campaigns, rendering it one of the world’s most famous elephant sanctuaries. The milestone event also featured cultural events and educational programs on wildlife conservation.
As Pinnawala enters its next 50 years, conservationists remain committed to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s majestic elephants, so they can continue to flourish for generations to come.
