OneCeylon
wildlife
All questions

Is the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage ethical for tourists to visit.

Seen by 1,653 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
M
Mason PP.•1990 rep•1

I love elephants but I have read mixed reviews about Pinnawala. Is it actually a genuine orphanage or just a tourist attraction that exploits the animals.

9
wildlife

2 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Pinnawala has genuine historical roots as an orphanage established in 1975 to rescue abandoned and injured wild elephant calves. However modern conservation experts have raised valid concerns about the use of chains, the bathing show timings, and the high tourist traffic. If you prefer a more ethical alternative consider the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe which releases rescued elephants back into the wild.

40
N
Nadeesha P.•27060 rep•1

For the absolute best ethical elephant experience skip the captive facilities entirely and book a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park. You will see large herds of completely wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat including playful calves and massive tuskers. The park has nearly guaranteed sightings on every single safari run.

35
K
Kamal D.•29900 rep•1

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log In to Answer

Related questions

Browse all questions