Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage celebrated ‘Golden Jubilee’

Minister Dhammika Patabendige is seen unveiling a statue of an elephant made to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in the Kegalle district

The start of the first elephant orphanage dates back to the time of Former Minister of Tourism P.B.G. Kalugalla

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in the Kegalle district, which is a main tourist attraction at the entrance to the hill country, and managed by the Department of Zoological Gardens celebrated its Golden Jubilee recently. 

The start of the first elephant orphanage dates back to the time of Former Minister of Tourism P.B.G. Kalugalla who inaugurated it in February 16, 1975 in a coconut estate as a veterinary medical unit under the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). This facility was established to provide treatment and feed injured wild elephants and orphaned baby elephants. 

However, when it gradually turned into a tourist attraction, it was vested with the Department of Zoological Gardens in 1978 with five elephants; there were three she elephants. The five elephants were Kadira, Wijeya, Malali, Kumari and Neela. Kadira and Wijeya, two of the elephants taken over by the Department of Zoological Gardens at the very inception, died of age. The other three are still living. With them, the elephant orphanage now has 83 elephants under its care.

The Golden Jubilee celebration to commemorate its origin had been organised with Minister of Environment Dhammika Patabendige and Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody; who graced the occasion as  the chief guests. 

The chief guests and the distinguished invitees were received by Director General of the Department of Zoological Gardens Chandana Rajapakse. The ceremony commenced with the minister unveiling a replica of a tusker. This work of art adorns the Elephant Orphanage ground. 

Later, Minister Patabendige fed the elephants with milk rice and fruits. He gave away he prizes and certificates to the winners of the Art and the Poetry competitions held by the Department to mark the 50 anniversary celebrations. The minister awarded a memento to the Director General of the Department Chandana Rajapakse. 

Deputy Director (Operations) of the Department of Zoological Gardens Anoma Priyadarashani, Rambukkana Divisional Secretary Narmada Egodagedara, Asst. Director of the Elephant Orphanage Mihiran Medawala and several visitors were present at the occasion.

Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody is seen feeding an elephant at the orphanage

Minister Dhammika Patabendige is seen giving away prizes and certificates to the winners of the Art and the Poetry competitions held by the Department to mark the 50th anniversary celebrations of the elephant orphanage