wildlife

Is visiting the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage ethical for tourists.

Asked 5 months agoSeen by 86 travellers

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Liam B.•965 rep•1

We want to see elephants but are concerned about animal welfare. Are the elephants treated well there.

wildlife

asked 5 months ago

Liam B.•965 rep•1

2 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

This is a massively heavily debated topic among international tourists and wildlife conservationists. While the orphanage successfully rescued many calves decades ago you will undeniably see certain adult elephants restrained heavily with large metal chains which is incredibly distressing for many visitors.

answered 5 months ago

Amali P.•12310 rep•1

If experiencing perfectly wild completely unchained elephants exhibiting entirely natural behaviors is your strict priority you should absolutely bypass Pinnawala entirely and book a formal jeep safari in Minneriya or Udawalawe National Park instead.