wildlife

Are the Kataragama elephant feeding areas a scam.

Asked 6 months agoSeen by 1,093 travellers

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Mateo O.•265 rep•1

People are asking for money to feed wild elephants near the temple. Is this legitimate.

wildlife budget-travel safety temples

asked 6 months ago

Mateo O.•265 rep•1

3 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The people standing along the road near Kataragama selling expensive fruit to feed the wild elephants behind the electric fences are essentially running a tourist trap. While seeing the elephants up close is amazing, this practice is highly unethical.

answered 6 months ago

Nishantha D.•20230 rep•1

Wildlife authorities strongly discourage tourists from participating. If you want to see elephants responsibly, save your money and book a proper jeep safari inside Yala or Udawalawe National Park instead.

answered 6 months ago

Amali K.•19100 rep•1

Feeding these wild animals habituates them to humans and encourages them to linger dangerously close to the busy highway instead of foraging naturally in the national park. It creates a massive safety hazard for both the elephants and drivers.