Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

The site at Pinnewala covers 25 acres, and was founded in 1975 with five young elephants. There are now around 60 animals, ranging from those born at the facility to some estimated at 40 years old or more. The main site itself has a couple of restaurants / refreshment stands, and some management buildings (eg sleeping sheds), but little other infrastructure.

The animals spend the night in the main site, and in the mid-morning they are led down to the Maha Oya river, around 500 metres away, for a two hour bathing session. This walk takes them down the main street of town which is lined with gift shops, stalls, restaurants and other tourist facilities. During the bathing sessions tourists can watch the animals playing in the river and being washed by the keepers. More adventurous visitors are encouraged to touch the animals under the supervision of a mahout (elephant trainer), who expects a tip for this service. Read more>