subject: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage - A Safe Heaven For Natures Biggest [print this page] Sri Lanka is a country which is rich in bio diversity and natural resources. This tropical island is located in the Indian Ocean which is the reason why it is also referred to as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. While Sri Lanka is home to a number of natural reserves, hundreds of animal species ranging from birds to mammals that are adapted to life in tropical conditions call Sri Lanka their preferred home. Blessed with spectacular mountainous regions and magnificent beaches, this tear shaped island is the ideal destination for nature lovers of any energy level.
It is commonly known among leading wildlife experts in Sri Lanka that during the early 1800s Sri Lanka was home to a population of approximately 30,000 elephants. After the British invasion these numbers started to dwindle and by 1960 studies revealed that the Sri Lankan elephant was on the verge of extinction. This dramatic fall in the number of elephants in Sri Lanka was largely due to human activity such as hunting elephants for sport and killings which was a resulted as the demand for ivory increased. Since then however local governmental authorities have taken measures which has resulted in making the killing of elephants illegal in Sri Lanka.
Located in the district of Kegalle, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 as a safe haven for elephants that do not have the ability to survive by themselves in the wild. Approximately 80 elephants live in this facility where they are well taken care of and provided with a habitat which is theirs alone. Elephants with various disabilities and ailment live here and are provided with the best medical care available. Funded by the government and the earnings of the orphanage itself, the facility has the largest population of captive elephants in the world and is one of the most frequented tourist attraction in the country.
If youre on the look out for good Sri Lanka holiday destinations, visit the Truly Sri Lanka website which will offer you a list of attraction filled cities assisting you in choosing one that is ideally suited. This travel portal enables you to be well informed on the accommodation options available in some of the key tourist destinations which will ensure that youre Sri Lanka travel experience is one that will not be soon forgotten.
