All about Elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Human activities and greed has immensely impacted elephants by dramatically decreasing their population. Many of these family oriented wild mammals have become orphans or have got hurt because of our careless actions. In order to save the elephants from becoming extinct, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was opened in 1975 in Pinnawala, Sri Lanka close to Kegalle. This facility functions as an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground.

World Elephant day

The first-ever World Elephant Day is on August 12, 2012.  In conjunction with this day the film "Return to the Forest" by Patricia Sims informs the public about the urgent plight of Asian and African elephants.
There are only 50,000 Asian elephants left in the world and are now considered endangered.  About 4000 live in Thailand, with 2800 in captivity and 1200 in the wild.  The elephants are facing severe threat because of habitat loss.  Asian elephants are being killed for their ivory, meat, tourism etc.
In Africa there are less than 400,000 elephants.  In the past two years because of ivory the elephants have been killed in high levels.  About 100 elephants are daily killed for illegal trade.
This international awareness campaign is commissioned and supported by the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation.  Videos for your interest.


We can help 

• by learning about elephants and their role in the environment and extend this concern to other animals.  
• Support organizations that provide natural sanctuaries for elephants to live freely without the stress and trauma of captivity.  
• We can also support organizations that are working to stop illegal trade to protect wildlife

Most importantly 

• Do not buy ivory or other wildlife products.  
• Don't buy coffee that is not from fair trade or shade-grown, nor products with palm oil because these commercial crops grown in plantations reduces hectares of forest in Asia.  
• Buy only wood products that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council that promotes responsible management of the world's forests.

In support you can also like their Facebook, follow on twitter
screening the 30 minute documentary "Return to the Forest" produced by CanazWest Pictures at your event or
donating to the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation on the World Elephant Day site.
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