Today (16) marks the 51 year anniversary of the beginning of the Pinnawala Ali Orphanage. For that, "Nidahas Ali Arana" premises were opened today. Asian male elephants entering a period called “alcohol” is a common sign when they have sexual maturity. It is necessary to manage them safely and according to formal techniques at that time. Meeting this requirement, adult male elephants are used forward by “picking free elephants” to free up adult male elephants in accordance with modern zoo and animal welfare concepts. The first phase of the construction was 50 million allocated and the estimated amount of the project was 70 million.
On February 16, 1975, the Department of Wildlife Conservation started the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage out of five orphaned elephants like “Kumari”, “Nila”, “Kadira”, “Vijaya” and “Mathali”. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a national center for Asian elephant conservation and breeding, animal welfare, education and research works and tourism. The campaign is operated for the objectives.
In 1984, the "Sukumali" baby elephant born from elephant named "Vijaya" and "Kumari" was reported as the first birth of the elephant orphanage, since then, 76 natural elephants have successfully been born. It is a special event that the birth of the first twin elephant in the orphanage in 2021. Currently 65 elephants including 27 male elephants and 38 female elephants are being cared for in the orphanage. Out of five starting elephants, “Kumari” (61), “Mathali” (56) and “Nila” (53) continue to live under care while “Mathali” leads the Kenera elephant herd.
As the first member of this freedom arana, the Mangala Elephant joined the place today and a plantation was also implemented.
Environment Minister Dammika Patabadi, Kegalle District Secretary Jagat Herath, officers of Ministry of Environment, officers of Pinnawala Ali Orphanage, preschoolers etc were together for the event.
